Sudan must be sincere
Jun 15, 2003
THERE ARE new reports that the Sudan authorities have resumed supplying arms to the dreaded and murderous rebels of he Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony
THERE ARE new reports that the Sudan authorities have resumed supplying arms to the dreaded and murderous rebels of he Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony.
During his US visit, President Museveni has accused the Khartoum government of clandestinely arming he LRA. At the same time, captured rebels have give an elaborate account of how large quantities of brand new weaponry are in the hands of the rebels.
There are reports of new training camps opened inside southern Sudan. These reports coincide with increased rebel attacks in various parts of Acholi and Lango areas. In recent weeks, rebels have attacked buses on Pakwach and Atiak routes. They have torched villages and have refused to honour terms for peace talks. Indeed, they seem to have bought time while waiting for the rainy season and acquiring more weapons after Operation Iron Fist disorganised them.
Sudan needs to be more open about links with the LRA. Uganda has just signed an agreement for the extension of Operation Iron Fist meant to flush LRA from their bases in southern Sudan. The two countries have not only re-opened diplomatic ties at ambassador level but they have exchanged presidential visits. Could it be that there are renegade elements within the Sudan security forces who are arming the LRA without the consent of government?
The LRA has left a catalogue of suffering in northern Uganda. It is on the list of the world’s terrorist organisations. That is the more reason the Sudan should come clear of this. We also need to investigate other new sources of supplies for the LRA if it is not Sudan alone.
During his US visit, President Museveni has accused the Khartoum government of clandestinely arming he LRA. At the same time, captured rebels have give an elaborate account of how large quantities of brand new weaponry are in the hands of the rebels.
There are reports of new training camps opened inside southern Sudan. These reports coincide with increased rebel attacks in various parts of Acholi and Lango areas. In recent weeks, rebels have attacked buses on Pakwach and Atiak routes. They have torched villages and have refused to honour terms for peace talks. Indeed, they seem to have bought time while waiting for the rainy season and acquiring more weapons after Operation Iron Fist disorganised them.
Sudan needs to be more open about links with the LRA. Uganda has just signed an agreement for the extension of Operation Iron Fist meant to flush LRA from their bases in southern Sudan. The two countries have not only re-opened diplomatic ties at ambassador level but they have exchanged presidential visits. Could it be that there are renegade elements within the Sudan security forces who are arming the LRA without the consent of government?
The LRA has left a catalogue of suffering in northern Uganda. It is on the list of the world’s terrorist organisations. That is the more reason the Sudan should come clear of this. We also need to investigate other new sources of supplies for the LRA if it is not Sudan alone.