LRA talks begin inJuba

By Henry Mukasa in juba

As the direct talks between the Government and LRA opened in Juba yesterday, the rebels complained that they had suffered a blackout to explain their agenda but warned that “the time has come to tell the truth.”

Ugandan top negotiator, interior minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda, said they were optimistic. “If we were not satisfied (with the LRA team), we would not have come to Juba,” he told reporters at Juba airport.

Later, he said Uganda “is working for a speedy, expeditious and thorough conclusion of this effort”.

The LRA’s delegation leader, Martin Ojul, in a statement read by LRA spokesman said, “Never before has there been such an opportunity as this.”

“We implore the Uganda government to search its soul to see whether it is being fair and reasonable in its treatment of the north and east of the country,” Ojul said.

At the opening of the talks, Salva Kiir, the president of the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS), appealed to the two sides to use the historic opportunity to end the 19 years of conflict.

“I want both delegations to approach these talks with open minds. Let the world see that now you are doing the right thing,” Kiir told the delegations during the ceremonial opening of the talks at the parliament in Juba, held two hours later than expected.

“I urge you to remember that you are all Ugandans with the same rights under the Ugandan flag,” he added.

Rugunda made a typical persuasive diplomatic speech laden with commitment to a “speedy end” of the rebellion.

LRA spokesman Obonyo Olweny, who for undisclosed reasons spoke on behalf of the leader of the LRA delegation, Martin Ojulu, warned that if the International Criminal Colurt (ICC) apprehends its indicted leaders, the war would intensify. He said talking peace did not mean LRA was weakened. Instead, he said, the LRM/A had ceased the opportunity to explain itself and give peace a chance.

“Should the regime in Kampala choose the path of violence and militarism, in the belief that they can settle the conflict on the battlefield by decisively defeating the LRA, they are in for a rude surprise. The LRA is strong. The LRA has come of age. Never shall we remain silent about the intransigent and rapacious propaganda machinery of the NRM/UPDF,” Obonyo said, sending the conference room into an eerie of silence.
Rugunda had earlier said on arrival at Juba airport that if Kampala was dissatisfied with the composition of the LRA team, he would not have traveled to Southern Sudan.

“The conflict has been horrendous and the people of northern Uganda desire peace and we are under obligation to give it to them. My delegation will work with your government towards peace,” Rugunda told Kiir.

Ministers, diplomats, governors of affected areas, observers, religious leaders and cultural leaders attended the function.

Obonyo said failure to access the media in the past to advance their issues, did not mean lack of a political agenda. He said the LRA wants to address political persecution, marginalisation, demeaning attitude by people in power, deliberate imbalance in development, protection of land, abuse of democratic principles, zero tolerance to corruption and genuine respect for international law.

“Innocent blood has been spilled, social and economic progress stagnated, there is political imbalance and disunity, our national pride and sovereignty subjugated and traded off cheaply for the political convenience and economic benefit of a few and the principles of democratic practice and good governance are in shambles,” Obonyo stated.

Kiir who spoke first at 6:15pm, told the two teams that “From now on you will take centre stage. The government of Southern Sudan will play role of umpire.”

His deputy Dr. Riek Machar who traversed the bushes of Southern Sudan to look for the rebel leaders and broker the peace talks basked in the glory.

“I know there is a lot of bitterness. My appeal to you is to come to table with open minds and patriotism. Let the world see you and hear you do the right thing,” Kiir said in an impassioned voice.

“The causes of your conflict are not any deeper than those that have been solved through peaceful means. Your differences are less profound. The most crucial weapon you need is good will,” he added.
He urged the African Union and international community to lend ‘a helping hand’ to the talks. On the ICC indictment, Kiir said he was determined to mediate peace. “It’s not that we don’t care about accountability, it’s rather that we care more about saving lives in northern Uganda and Southern Sudan not to mention the DRC that has become a war theater.”
Bishop John Baptist Odama and Sheikh Musa Khalil led prayers before the talks.