Ugandan president doubts rebels seriousness for peace
Nov 20, 2006 (LONDON) — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said on Monday he did not believe the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels were serious about reaching a peace deal.
But Museveni said the Ugandan army would guarantee peace, whether or not a deal was struck, and that it would be a mistake to give the LRA leaders an amnesty without an agreement.
“If the talks succeed then it will be a soft landing for the terrorists,” he told reporters during a visit to London.
“If (LRA leader Joseph) Kony misses this chance then we already have peace in Uganda and the army is able to guarantee peace in our country — irrespective of what happens with the peace talks,” he said.
A truce signed in August between the government and the LRA, one of Africa’s most feared rebel groups, raised hopes of an end to a vicious 20-year insurgency that has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced 1.7 million.
But the truce remains fragile, with tempers fraying and each side accusing the other of major violations.
“I have full confidence in the mediation of the southern Sudan government but, of course, Kony is not serious. But it doesn’t matter,” said Museveni.
“We have ensured peace in Uganda. After all Kony is no longer in Uganda, he’s in Congo … and if he comes that will be good. If he doesn’t we shall still guarantee peace in Uganda.”
On Friday Kony was quoted in the state-owned daily, New Vision, as saying he was committed to peace and did not have a hidden agenda.
The Ugandan army has said repeatedly it suspects the LRA is using the landmark truce, which was renewed this month, to reorganise itself after coming under pressure.
The LRA has also said it will not sign a final peace deal at talks in the south Sudanese capital, Juba, unless International Criminal Court (ICC) warrants against its commanders are lifted.
Museveni has said an amnesty for the LRA leaders could be possible, if they surrender first. But he reiterated on Monday that dropping the ICC warrants beforehand would be an error.
“That would not be a good signal because that ICC indictment is actually a good pressure on Kony, it’s an incentive on him to behave sensibly. Removing it without getting peace in exchange would be a mistake,” he said.
Kony and four other LRA commanders are wanted by the Hague-based ICC for war crimes such as killing civilians, rape, mutilation and abducting children to swell their ranks.
(Reuters)