Defections of fighters affect LRA

By Raymond Baguma

Defections of fighters from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and internal discontent by sidelined older commanders has greatly diminished Joseph Kony’s control of the rebel group, a new report has said.

The report published by The Resolve LRA Crisis Initiative is based on recent field research and interview with defectors in the five LRA-affected countries of Uganda, CAR, DR Congo and South Sudan.

The report titled, “Loosening Kony’s Grip: Effective Defection Strategies for Today’s LRA,” was released yesterday (Wednesday).
Kony and his top commanders are wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to answer charges of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The report says that about 15 percent of LRA fighters have defected since January 2012. This has forced Kony to execute disobedient commanders, marginalize older commanders and harvest elephant ivory.

The defections are attributed to “Come Home” messages broadcast from helicopters, FM radios and dropping of leaflets to LRA fighters in the jungles. Also, many Ugandan fighters who make up the core of the LRA are disillusioned by the difficulty of life in the forests, with pressure mounted by UPDF and the US military advisers.

Paul Ronan, Director of Policy at The Resolve and the report’s editor said that intensifying the campaigns to encourage defections could further dismantle the LRA as fighters abandon the group.

Also, the report says that Kony may still be operating in the Kafia Kingi enclave, which is a disputed area under the control of the Sudan Armed Forces, according to information from the defectors.

“If Kony is allowed safe haven in Sudanese controlled areas, it will not only allow him to escape justice, it will keep abducted women and children far from safe defection sites,” said Ronan. “Until Sudanese troops stop collaborating with LRA forces, a lasting end to LRA atrocities will remain elusive.”