Acholi leaders appeal over talks
Sep 27, 2006
ACHOLI leaders have appealed to the LRA and Government delegations in Juba to resume peace talks.
By Chris Ocowun
ACHOLI leaders have appealed to the LRA and Government delegations in Juba to resume peace talks.
Bishop Nelson Onono Onweng of the Northern Diocese said, “Yesterday (Tuesday) I read in the papers Government denying allegations by the LRA that they (UPDF) deployed in the designated areas meant for rebels to assemble in southern Sudan. But today (Wednesday) the LRA delegation has pulled out because of the alleged deployment of the UPDF.â€
“This is a disappointing development. The LRA and Government delegations have so far done very well by signing the cessation of hostilities agreement. What may be creating the problem now is the process of the peace talks,†he said.
“So far the LRA has been demobilised by assembling in designated areas. I call upon the LRA to go back to resume the talks. And to the Government of Uganda, if it is true they are strategically deploying UPDF soldiers, to check their motives.
The LRA and Government should know that all we want is peace.
And that is what the people want. So any behaviour contrary to bringing peace to northern Uganda is not acceptable,†Onweng said.
Gulu district chairman Norbert Mao was in Juba, according to his secretary for works, Alex Otim.
“We are going to get in touch with the LRA rebels to see the way forward. Mao went to Juba to meet Acholi from the diaspora who are on the LRA peace team. We think there is hope for the peace talks,†Otim said.
The chairman of the Greater north peace mobilisation team, Peter Odok W’Oceng, the Pader LC5 chairperson, said, “I don’t support deployment of the UPDF in the designated areas.â€
ACHOLI leaders have appealed to the LRA and Government delegations in Juba to resume peace talks.
Bishop Nelson Onono Onweng of the Northern Diocese said, “Yesterday (Tuesday) I read in the papers Government denying allegations by the LRA that they (UPDF) deployed in the designated areas meant for rebels to assemble in southern Sudan. But today (Wednesday) the LRA delegation has pulled out because of the alleged deployment of the UPDF.â€
“This is a disappointing development. The LRA and Government delegations have so far done very well by signing the cessation of hostilities agreement. What may be creating the problem now is the process of the peace talks,†he said.
“So far the LRA has been demobilised by assembling in designated areas. I call upon the LRA to go back to resume the talks. And to the Government of Uganda, if it is true they are strategically deploying UPDF soldiers, to check their motives.
The LRA and Government should know that all we want is peace.
And that is what the people want. So any behaviour contrary to bringing peace to northern Uganda is not acceptable,†Onweng said.
Gulu district chairman Norbert Mao was in Juba, according to his secretary for works, Alex Otim.
“We are going to get in touch with the LRA rebels to see the way forward. Mao went to Juba to meet Acholi from the diaspora who are on the LRA peace team. We think there is hope for the peace talks,†Otim said.
The chairman of the Greater north peace mobilisation team, Peter Odok W’Oceng, the Pader LC5 chairperson, said, “I don’t support deployment of the UPDF in the designated areas.â€