Four killed in rebel LRA attack against Sudan’s Kajo-keji
By Isaac Vuni
January 31, 2008 (JUBA) — The Commissioner of Kajokeji County of Central Equatoria State, Major Oliver Mule has today reported that LRA have killed four people and seriously wounded anther four at Kansuk, Lori and Rodo areas of Nyepo payams and that undisclosed number of women and children were also adopted.
Another latest report came from Executive Director of Morobo County, Ezakia Jonatana stated that a huge number of the Ugandan rebels have been cited yesterday moving from Morobo to Tore on their way to Western Equatoria state, probably to rejoin their boss at Rikwnbwa hideout but there was no report of looting or harassment on Sudanese citizens.
However the deputy chairman of LRA delegation to Juba peace talks, Obita refuted presence of LRA in and around Kejikeji County, 20 miles away from Sudan-Uganda western border.
“It is a ridiculous allegation, how could our forces move from Kajokeji to Rikwmba, distance of more than 600 miles?” Obita said.
When asked of when will the LRA set free women and children they adopted, Obita says the whole peace process is nearing conclusion within the coming thirty days, therefore the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) team will handle all issues of women and children adopted by LRA including their transportation to their respective villages but he declined to mention the number of women and children to be set free.
The new LRA deputy chairman of peace delegation, Obita says the rural people in Uganda particularly in affected areas of LRA are ready to forgive the LRA on whatever crimes they might have matted on innocent Ugandan.
He went on saying that Ugandan have also expressed the desire that LRA should release all women and children they abducted as a sign of goodwill even if the peace talks are not yet concluded and he promised to response to their call soon.
Regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC) indictments, Obita said the grassroots people demanded that it should be dropped and replaced by an African justice mechanism as an alternative for trying LRA leaders involved in killing innocent people in Uganda including neigbouring countries.
However, Ugandan government spokesman to Juba talks, Captain Chris Magezi. confirmed the report and has informed the Chief mediator, Riek Machar, accordingly and that team of cession of hostilities monitoring are instructed to investigate and render their reports to the mediators for necessary action.
Regarding the dead of Vincent Otti and subsequent speculation that Uganda government was behind, he says Otti has been their main contact person from the start of peace process on 20th July 2006 but as unfortunate it may be, his dead will not hinder progress of peace to its logical conclusion, declared Ugandan spokesman.
The captain further emphasized that Uganda government has whatsoever, no hand in the death of LRA deputy Chairman including restructuring on the new delegation to Juba peace talk, adding that what took place was an internal affairs of LRA alone.
The Ugandan government spokesman noted with concern that LRA have not yet assembled to Rekwanbwa as it was stipulated in the cession of hostilities agreement and that such action is a clear violation of agreement but that they leave it to mediator to handle.
Both Ugandan government and LRA delegations are optimistic that the talk will be concluded by end of February this year.
According to Riek Machar, the most crucial issues have been accomplished and the remaining tow issues are more of technical that will be considered as annex to the deal.
The chief mediator urges both parties to meet and harmonize their positions on the remaining issues to enable speedy signing of comprehensive ceasefire.
It is to be recalled that LRA delegation had gone and conducted consultation with grassroots communities in Ugandan government controlled areas as from November 2nd to 22nd December last year. Obita said they were warmly received by people who were very enthusiastic to see and hear from them about the peace process and possibility of its logical conclusion and gauged people support to peace initiative through their full participation in all rallies held by LRA team.
The new line up of LRA delegations are; Dr. David Nyekorac Masang chairman and official spokesman of the team, Dr. James Alfred Obita, Deputy Chairman, Mr. Willy Oream, Finance Secretary, Chrisper Ayena, Legal advisor, Mr. Justine Labeja, protocol Officer, Hon. Santa Ogot, Secretary for Women and Children Affairs, Mr. Peter Otim, Logistic Officer and Mr. Yusif Adek member.
(ST)