Sudan orders army to arrest, deport Ugandan rebel leader Kony

By Emmy Allio

KAMPALA, May 01, 2004 (New Vision) — The Sudan government has ordered its army in the south to arrest and deport to Uganda LRA rebel leader Joseph Kony if he crosses the redline, the Sudanese ambassador to Uganda said on Wednesday.

Sirajuddin Hamid Yousif said, “There are clear instructions from Khartoum to our soldiers that if Kony crosses the redline, he must be arrested and deported to Uganda.”

Earlier, the army said the rebels were fleeing the Kit II valley in southern Sudan.

An intelligence source said, “They are heading to the redline which separates us from the Sudan People’s Armed Forces (SPAF). If they cross the redline, then it is not our responsibility to catch him.”

Kony fled to Kit II valley after the army flushed him out of his Imatong and upper Talanga Mountains hideouts.

Sources said Sudanese President Gen. Omar al-Bashir had promoted Sirajuddin to represent Sudan in the African Union. The sources said his replacement would be named next month.

Sirajuddin was the first Sudan ambassador to Uganda since the two neighbours restored diplomatic relations, which were severed in 1995.

In another development, Kony’s wounded deputy Vincent Otti, last weekend requested Acholi politicians to tell the Government that the LRA was ready for peace talks.

Sources yesterday said the rebels contacted some Members of Parliament from the Acholi sub-region.

Otti, now hiding in Kilak areas in Gulu district, was wounded in a battle with the UPDF on Adjumani-Gulu districts border.

the sources said Otti told the Acholi politicians that the rebels would, however, not assemble in designated areas, a precondition for talks set by President Yoweri Museveni.

Army spokesman Major Shaban Bantariza said, “It is true Acholi politicians have been contacted by Otti. This now means that the noose is tightening on LRA’s neck.”