UPDF demands proof of LRA in assembly points
THE UPDF has demanded proof that the LRA rebels have assembled at Owiny-Kibul and Ri-Kwangba assembling points.
By Alfred Wasike
and agencies
THE UPDF has demanded proof that the LRA rebels have assembled at Owiny-Kibul and Ri-Kwangba assembling points.
“We want proof that the LRA are acting in good faith,†the army spokesperson in the north, Lt. Chris Magezi said on Friday.
He said the Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring Team (CHMT) should prove that the rebels have complied with the cessation agreement.
“Our complaints are contained in the letter which the Commander-in-Chief has written to the South Sudan President (Salva Kiir),†Magezi said.
The CHMT is headed by a senior south Sudan officer, Maj. Gen. William Deng, with two UPDF representatives, Col Tumusiime Nyakaitana and Lt. Col. Charles Okori. The LRA should have named two representatives.
Magezi said, “It is up to the CHMT to assure us and the world that the LRA has either complied with or violated the peace agreement. The LRA has left northern Uganda and moved into southern Sudan. As to whether they have converged at Owiny Kibul and Ri-Kwangba, we cannot confirm.â€
Journalists and diplomats accredited to Uganda attempted to reach Owiny Kibul but were barred at Pajok, 53 miles away, by the UPDF and the SPLA, saying their security could not be guaranteed since the LRA had dispersed from the assembly points.
UPDF spokesperson Maj. Felx Kulayigye said the LRA, who were supposed to assemble at Owiny Kibul, had instead headed westward, while another group who were to go to Ri-Kwangba headed towards West Nile.
AFP reported on Friday from Juba that independent monitors would on Saturday probe mutual claims of violations. The team will be accompanied by a committee of independent observers, that forms a third party to the peace talks, officials said.
“If the concerns of the LRA and the government are not verified and addressed, the talks may be jeopardised,†said MP Betty Amongi, the chief of the observer mission.
Amongi’s mission includes political, cultural and religious leaders from the worst-affected regions of northern Uganda.
Amongi said while negotiations had been hampered by the allegations, they had not broken down and both sides continued to stress their commitment to peace.
Since Saturday the parties have accused each other of serious violations in the truce that took effect on August 28, notably over movements of armed men around two neutral camps where the rebels are to assemble.
and agencies
THE UPDF has demanded proof that the LRA rebels have assembled at Owiny-Kibul and Ri-Kwangba assembling points.
“We want proof that the LRA are acting in good faith,†the army spokesperson in the north, Lt. Chris Magezi said on Friday.
He said the Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring Team (CHMT) should prove that the rebels have complied with the cessation agreement.
“Our complaints are contained in the letter which the Commander-in-Chief has written to the South Sudan President (Salva Kiir),†Magezi said.
The CHMT is headed by a senior south Sudan officer, Maj. Gen. William Deng, with two UPDF representatives, Col Tumusiime Nyakaitana and Lt. Col. Charles Okori. The LRA should have named two representatives.
Magezi said, “It is up to the CHMT to assure us and the world that the LRA has either complied with or violated the peace agreement. The LRA has left northern Uganda and moved into southern Sudan. As to whether they have converged at Owiny Kibul and Ri-Kwangba, we cannot confirm.â€
Journalists and diplomats accredited to Uganda attempted to reach Owiny Kibul but were barred at Pajok, 53 miles away, by the UPDF and the SPLA, saying their security could not be guaranteed since the LRA had dispersed from the assembly points.
UPDF spokesperson Maj. Felx Kulayigye said the LRA, who were supposed to assemble at Owiny Kibul, had instead headed westward, while another group who were to go to Ri-Kwangba headed towards West Nile.
AFP reported on Friday from Juba that independent monitors would on Saturday probe mutual claims of violations. The team will be accompanied by a committee of independent observers, that forms a third party to the peace talks, officials said.
“If the concerns of the LRA and the government are not verified and addressed, the talks may be jeopardised,†said MP Betty Amongi, the chief of the observer mission.
Amongi’s mission includes political, cultural and religious leaders from the worst-affected regions of northern Uganda.
Amongi said while negotiations had been hampered by the allegations, they had not broken down and both sides continued to stress their commitment to peace.
Since Saturday the parties have accused each other of serious violations in the truce that took effect on August 28, notably over movements of armed men around two neutral camps where the rebels are to assemble.