By Justin Moro and Chris Ochowun

THE Acholi MPs and religious leaders have commended the LRA for the face-to-face peace consultations on Tuesday.

They said this was a break-through to the end of the 18-year-long northern conflict.

Omoro county MP Jacob Oulanyah said, “It was a great meeting and I highly commend the LRA. I do pray that they continue meeting with us so that they reach a peaceful conclusion with the Government.”

“This war has caused a lot of suffering to our people of Acholi, 90% of whom are in IDP camps. So we are happy to see its end. Now that I am going back today (December 29) to meet LRA second-in-command (Vincent Otti) together with the government team led by internal affairs minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, I will continue begging the LRA to accept peace talks with the Government.”

Agago MP Morris Ogenga Latigo said the meeting was fruitful and open. He said the LRA’s Sam Kolo said they had forgiven people who insulted them, citing Kitgum RDC Santo Okot Lapolo, who was also in the meeting. Lapolo once sent a time-bomb parcel to the LRA that killed two rebels and injured several others.

Oulanyah and Latigo were among Acholi MPs and other leaders who met LRA chiefs on Tuesday in Lamwo.

Speaking at Acholi Inn in Gulu yesterday morning, Latigo said the rebels did not harass them.

Kitgum LC5 chairman Nahaman Ojwee said, “I am very happy that we met the LRA commanders. It is a way to build confidence and pave the way for talks between the LRA and the Government.”

He said they assured the rebels that nothing would happen to them and that the Acholi were ready to forgive them if they decided to end the war peacefully so that people embark on development.

The rebels said they should not be forced to get food from the UN and that they should be left to get it from people’s gardens for the sake of the peace talks.

Rugunda arrived in Kitgum town yesterday and was expected to travel to the talks with minister Betty Akech, mediator Betty Bigombe and UN staff.