Egeland welcomes cessation
Aug 29, 2006
THE UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland (right), has welcomed the cessation of hostilities between the Government and the LRA rebels, saying it is the best hope for sustainable peace in the region.
By Charles Ariko
THE UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland (right), has welcomed the cessation of hostilities between the Government and the LRA rebels, saying it is the best hope for sustainable peace in the region.
“I have consistently described the situation in northern Uganda as the world’s most neglected emergency since my first mission there in November 2003.
“Now with the assistance of the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), we have a real chance to make progress,†Egeland said in a statement issued by the United Nations.
The Government and the LRA rebels signed the agreement for cessation of hostilities on Saturday.
The agreement, which is to be renewed bi-weekly, came into force yesterday, beginning at 6:00am.
Egeland said the 20-year conflict had resulted in two million people displaced and over 25,000 children abducted and forced into military service.
Egeland urged the LRA to immediately release all abducted women and children as a sign of goodwill.
“The humanitarian community stands ready to assist these women and children in their return and reintegration,†Egeland said.
THE UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Jan Egeland (right), has welcomed the cessation of hostilities between the Government and the LRA rebels, saying it is the best hope for sustainable peace in the region.
“I have consistently described the situation in northern Uganda as the world’s most neglected emergency since my first mission there in November 2003.
“Now with the assistance of the Government of South Sudan (GoSS), we have a real chance to make progress,†Egeland said in a statement issued by the United Nations.
The Government and the LRA rebels signed the agreement for cessation of hostilities on Saturday.
The agreement, which is to be renewed bi-weekly, came into force yesterday, beginning at 6:00am.
Egeland said the 20-year conflict had resulted in two million people displaced and over 25,000 children abducted and forced into military service.
Egeland urged the LRA to immediately release all abducted women and children as a sign of goodwill.
“The humanitarian community stands ready to assist these women and children in their return and reintegration,†Egeland said.