Joseph Kony, the commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) has asked the Government of Uganda to re-open peace talks which, according to the warlord, will help in resolving the conflict between two belligerent sides.
In a statement released by the LRA Special Peace Envoy ‘Brigadier’ Mission Okello, the rebels want the talks to be held in Tanzania and mediated by the Legislative Assembly of East African Community (EALA), the United Nations and the African Union and, the government of Tanzania, Sudan and the US.
“General Kony urges the people of Uganda and the international community at large to welcome and support this process for the ultimate benefit of Uganda and the countries of the Great Lakes region of Africa,” Brig Okello’s statement reads in part.
The LRA leader asked for a ‘consultative and confidence-building meeting’ with the clergy and some high profile government officials to be held at an undisclosed location.
Among the people the rebel team to be led by Brig Okello want to meet is Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, Gulu Diocese Archbishop John Baptist Odama and the EALA Speaker Daniel F Kidega.
Others are Mr Quinto Kidega, the Chairperson of the LRA Peace team and His Highness David Onen Achana. They will be led by LRA Special Peace envoy, Brig Okello Mission.
Kony, who is currently thought to be in Central African Republic, led a rebel force which terrorized northern Uganda and countries bordering it. He is currently of wanted by the International Criminal Court for the war crimes committed.