Suspected LRA kill four civilians in Congo’s Orintale Province
By Richard Ruati
January 19, 2010 (DUNGU) — At least four civilians were killed and others abducted in an attack that has been suspected to by Ugandan Resistance Army, reported Missionary International Services News Agency (MISNA).
The report elaborates that, “The attack sparked fear and desperation among inhabitants of Dungu, in the Orientale Province in the north-east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
According to MISNA missionary sources, “the attack was carried out by six Ugandan rebels of the LRA (Lord’s Resistance Army), accompanied by two Congolese, who they abducted some time ago.”
The attack, which took place last Wednesday but only, reported recently due to the remoteness of the area, targeted the area between the village of Nagbende and the road that takes to Dungu.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune via telephone hookup from Kampala Defense and Ugandan spokesperson Lt Col Felix Kulaigye denied such attack to have taken place, as UPDF is still maintaining presence near Dungu, “our forces have not spotted or learnt of any LRA attack of any kind whatsoever,” he categorically denies the report.
The LRA has carried out an increasing number of attacks over the past year in the Haut-Uele district, where Dungu is situated.
Currently there have been a few attacks by the rebel group, the LRA, which continues to wreak havoc and displace many people in that area.
Southern Sudan and Congolese who are suffering from trauma and fear in their own land, continue to feel the pain of LRA aftermath attacks, as most until now have not received relief and necessary from Aid agencies or their respective governments.
DRY SEASON
Regional Analysts say seasonal changes could be a positive factor in the decreasing LRA attacks on civilians, as Ugandan Army is determined to wipe the central command of LRA rebels. Historically, the vicious rebels wage deadly attacks during rain seasons when the forest becomes thick making it difficult for any pursuing force to track or spot faster.
Literally, Kony’s whereabouts is still around Western Bahr El Ghazal, where observes say he is seeking safe passage to escape to Darfur or Khartoum.
In the course of this war, Kony’s army has abducted children; even today about 90% of the LRA were abducted as children. These attacks caused people to be moved to overcrowded displacement camps filled with poverty, disease, and lack of food.
Kony refuses to make deals with anyone. He and his army kill, abuse, and abduct these children to recruit and build an even bigger army. The abducted children are forced to be child soldiers and kill for themselves or be killed.
(ST)