U.S. ambivalence undermining historic Uganda peace talks
By Peter J. Quaranto and Michael Poffenberger
August 8, 2006 — Historic peace talks currently underway between the Government of Uganda and rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) are the best opportunity in over a decade to end Africa’s longest running war. Yet, the Bush Administration and State Department have been ambiguous about U.S. position on the talks, undermining opportunities to help end one of the world’s worst humanitarian nightmares.
Situation Overview
The war in northern Uganda has persisted for twenty years. The LRA, based in southern Sudan, has terrorized the northern population to challenge the Ugandan government and sustain its existence. The rebel group has abducted more than 25,000 children, using them as cannon fodder and sexual slaves. Tens of thousands more have been wounded, maimed and killed by their attacks.
The LRA has no support from the local population; however, northerners also feel excluded from the central government. Since the current regime came to power in 1986, northerners have been marginalized in political and economic processes. Further, the government plan in 1996 to confine people to “protected villages” has collapsed into a displacement nightmare with 1.7 million people displaced in horrid conditions. One thousand people die weekly in these camps: deaths that northerners attribute to government’s neglect and failure to protect them.
By its own initiative, the Government of South Sudan (GoSS) has agreed to mediate and host peace talks between the warring parties. The involvement of such a strategic third party mediator, combined with apparent openness of both parties to end the war and mounting international pressure to resolve the conflict, gives this process serious potential to succeed.
A Historic Opportunity
GoSS leadership to both host and mediate negotiations makes these talks unlike any of the past. The GoSS has much to gain from peacefully expelling the LRA from within its borders. Elements of the northern-based National Islamic Front regime are continuing to use the LRA as a proxy militia to destabilize the South and derail the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. Further, the LRA is embedded within networks in southern Sudan that have not yet joined the Southern Sudanese government coalition. The GoSS is thus keen to ameliorate the threat and demobilize the LRA through pacific means.
The LRA, recognizing the stakes for the GoSS, wants to avoid military confrontation with regional forces. International Criminal Court (ICC) indictments issued last October for top commanders have generated new pressure, though not enough will to actually execute warrants. Indicted LRA leadership want guarantees for their post-conflict security and livelihood.
Finally, the crisis has become an increasing liability for the reputation of the Ugandan government. With Museveni’s repeal of term limits to win a third term in elections, his regime has suffered a significant fall from grace. Ending the war would redeem Museveni’s image abroad, especially if it were accomplished before the 2007 British Commonwealth meetings to be held in Uganda. Moreover, the GoU has sought a strong diplomatic and trading partnership with the GoSS; ill will in these talks could jeopardize that strategic relationship.
Policy Scenarios
As peace talks commence, the Ugandan government must reflect on the needs of northern Ugandans. Museveni has made clear that he will offer amnesty to all rebels if they accept a peace deal. While some have criticized this as undermining the ICC, northern Ugandan leaders have expressed full support, conveying that long-term issues of justice can be addressed after the cessation of violence. Once the basic rights to their people have been restored, local leaders will help set the agenda for long-term restoration, using restorative justice mechanisms.
In negotiations, the government and LRA will have to consider issues of reconciliation, truth telling and even some form of power sharing. While structural change is unlikely, all parties should be supportive of processes that build trust and relationships between segments of society that have been polarized and separated for several generations. Lasting peace in northern Uganda will require addressing northern marginalization. Peace talks can help initiate processes that empower the agency of the war-torn people.
Role of the US and International Community
As talks get underway, elevated attention and more responsible policy by the United States and donor countries can be decisive to their success. The U.S. government has been unclear about its position on peace talks, intentionally avoiding the issue. Last March, the State Department announced that ending the war before the end of 2006 was a priority of the Bush Administration. Supporting these talks would be a good start toward that end.
The international community has a critical role to play in monitoring the talks to hold actors accountable to the process. In past talks, schizophrenic signals from the government and corruption within the military have undermined talks. The United States should stand willing, at the invitation of the GoSS, to aid and encourage the process when needed.
Especially as a non-signatory to the ICC, the United States may be able to impact the talks in ways that European countries cannot. The European countries, for their part, can urge the ICC to show restraint and to employ Article 53 of the Rome Statute. Under Article 53(4), the Prosecutor can reconsider a decision at any time “based on new facts or information.” ICC continued disapproval of talks could derail the process when discussions shift to post-conflict security guarantees.
The U.S. can also help build a peace dividend so that if an agreement is reached, the financial and political resources will be available for its implementation. The return of displaced peoples, compensation of victims and reintegration of rebel fighters will require extensive international support.
Finally, the international community can ensure that the ultimate stakeholders, northern Ugandans themselves, are given a voice and priority in the process. Their involvement – through their religious leaders, traditional elders and political officials – will hold all parties accountable. It will further remind all that the priority is peace, not for political gain, but for the people caught amidst the horror of this war.
* The writers are the co-founders of the Uganda Conflict Action Network (Uganda-CAN), a grassroots campaign advocating for more responsible U.S. policy to end the war in northern Uganda. Learn more and get involved at www.UgandaCAN.org.