Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kampala (Agenzia Fides)- “I think they are at last on the path to peace. It must be said that the southern-Sudan government has made a fundamental contribution to restoring peace in northern Uganda” Fides was told by Vittorio Scelzo who represents the Rome based S. Egidio Community on the team of international mediators for northern Uganda. On 26 August in Juba (southern Sudan) an agreement for the cessation of hostilities was signed by the Ugandan government and the rebels of the Lord’s Resistance Army LRA, (see Fides 28 and 30 August 2006). The cease fire came into force 29 August .
“As agreed the LRA militants are meeting in safe places under the protection of southern Sudan security forces. This fundamental step reveals the mutual trust which exists between the parties which is hopeful for progress in peace talks” said Scelzo. “By 19 September all the LRA militants must have reached the safe areas. Their disarmament will start only after a definitive peace agreement has been reached, hence the necessity of the intervention by the United Nations promised by UN under secretary for Humanitarian Affairs Jan Egeland, to provide food and other basic services for these disbanded militia. On no account must armed men be left to go hungry”.
“People in northern Uganda are already feeling the benefit of the cease fire. There is a spirit of confidence and hope. At last it is safe for children to sleep at home instead of protected centres to avoid being abducted by the rebel militia and enrolled in their ranks (see Fides 26 June 2006)” The S. Egidio representative said.
So far 500 LRA rebels have gathered in two of the three chosen localities in southern Sudan, while, another point in the agreement, talks between the government of Kampala and rebel leadership continue. One of the rebel leaders at the talks is said to be LRA number 2 Vincent Otti. Five LRA leaders (one of whom is dead) have on their heads an international warrant of arrest for war crimes and crimes against humanity issued a year ago by the international court at The Hague. The LRA refuses to sign a peace agreement until the warrant is revoked; Ugandan President Museveni, in difficulty, said the international court cannot block the process of reconciliation in Uganda; whereas the United Nations Organisation is trying to find another path to reaffirm the legislation of the Court and at the same time safeguard the peace process. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/9/2006 righe 37 parole 472)
