RELAXED: LRA rebels guard their food at Ri-Kwangba over the weekend

THE HAGUE, Tuesday – The International Criminal Court (ICC) ruled out on Tuesday any possibility of lifting the arrest warrants for LRA leaders as part of a peace deal.

ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said war crimes could not go unpunished.

“If we do not execute the arrest warrants, the crimes can start again,” Moreno said at a public hearing with non-governmental organisations.

On September 15, the ICC ordered an urgent report into Uganda’s efforts to arrest and hand over LRA leaders, stressing that the arrest of LRA leader Joseph Kony and his deputies was vital for their effective prosecution and the prevention of further crimes.

Last week, deputy LRA leader Vincent Otti said lifting the ICC war crimes indictments against himself and other top LRA leaders was a pre-condition to a full peace deal.

The LRA launched one of the world’s most vicious insurrections from northern Uganda 20 years ago, killing civilians and often slicing off victims’ lips and noses.
Meanwhile, about 800 rebels have assembled in Owiny Ki-bul.

“Peace is coming soon,” a 36-year-old LRA major said with a broad smile, before trudging back to camps of plastic-covered tents.

Another fighter nods enthusiastically. Many of the 800 or so LRA fighters and commanders gathered in the Owiny-Ki-Bul area say they are fearful Uganda’s army (UPDF) is surrounding the area to launch an offensive in case peace talks fail.

A truce signed last month required rebels to gather in two points in southern Sudan, while peace talks to end a two-decade insurgency continue.