Former LRA negotiator arrested in southern Sudan

April 13, 2008 (JUBA) — Southern Sudan authorities have arrested the former head of the LRA negotiating team who was fired by Joseph Konky last Thursday after his refusal to sign the final text of the peace agreement.

The UK-based, David Matsanga was arrested by south Sudanese soldiers on his return to Juba airport, where he was said to be carrying $20,000 (10,148 pounds) and a still-sealed letter to the LRA leader from Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Reuters reported today.

The contents of the letter — or what charges might face the sacked negotiator– were not known. Before leaving Ri-Kwangba, the negotiator denied he had been fired and said he quit in frustration after Kony failed to meet him.

Last Friday Kony renewed his commitment to the peace process and the signed agreement but wanted guarantees of his safety and financial security first.

MP Simon Oyet of Noya County of Gulu on Saturday accused David Mastanga of betraying LRA by being untruthful to Joseph Kony on the final progress of the peace talks including the planned meeting of leading traditional and religious leaders with General Kony last year.

Oyet further alleged that Mastanga was plotting to sign the agreement on behalf of Joseph Kony.

The chief mediator, Riek Machar wondered why Matsanga has failed to brief Kony on traditional justice and the special division of the high court of Uganda after their request for one day workshop with religious and traditional leaders to explain the details of Mato Oput and the special court of Uganda.

The ICC accuses Kony and two of his top deputies of offences including rape, murder and the abduction of thousands of children who were forced to serve as fighters, porters and sex slaves.

(ST)