Uganda backs Obama plan for LRA
2010-11-26 14:17
Kampala - Uganda on Friday welcomed a plan by US President Barack Obama to disarm the Lord's Resistance Army rebels, who have preyed on civilians in several African countries for more than two decades.
"It's a good move. A welcome move," James Mugume, permanent secretary at Uganda's ministry of foreign affairs, told AFP.
Mugume applauded the US for not solely focusing on the military aspect of the LRA rebellion.
"Dealing with demobilised combatants, post-war recovery in northern Uganda, these are key parts of the LRA conflict," he said.
Obama's plan, which followed a law on the LRA passed by the US Congress six months ago, focused on "the defection, disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration of remaining LRA fighters."
The plan, presented to Congress on Wednesday, also aims to "increase humanitarian access and provide continued relief to affected communities".
Mugume said the African troops currently hunting the remnants of LRA can handle the military operation but would welcome increased logistical support.
"External support is always welcome, but we have the capacity to lead the military campaign," he said.
Uganda special forces are currently leading a hunt down on LRA supremo Joseph Kony, that also includes forces from the Central African Republic, south Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The LRA began their rebellion in northern Uganda in the late 1980s, but have not carried out an attack there since 2006.
Since south Sudanese-hosted peace talks broke down in late 2008, the rebels have roamed the jungles of central Africa where they have been accused of slaughtering defenceless civilians.
- SAPA
