Uganda: Troubled
Talks
Source: World Vision - USA
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Failing Peace Prolongs Children's Agony
January 30, 2007
James Addis - Advocacy & Communications
Fears that the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) will resume fighting in northern Uganda have spread panic in the region and prolonged the agony for captive children.
But ongoing peace talks between the LRA and the Ugandan government since the ceasefire have been marked by unrest, including frequent walkouts by the LRA, and accusations of violations of the ceasefire agreement by both sides.The latest disagreement occurred when Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir threatened to "get rid of the LRA from Sudan." The LRA says this means it's no longer safe for them to continue peace talks in Juba, southern Sudan and has suggested switching the venue for further discussion to Kenya or South Africa.
But the Ugandan government insists talks continue in Juba. And some consider the suggestion by the LRA a stalling tactic.Another major point of contention is a decision by the International Criminal Court to issue warrants for the arrest of LRA leaders for crimes against humanity. The LRA wants the warrants withdrawn.World Vision Relief Manager Amos Omoya said the threat of more violence from the LRA could mean the war's displaced people - who had moved to outlying resettlement camps, ready to reclaim their land - may seek safety by returning to the bigger, more crowded camps in the towns.
Meanwhile World Vision's Children of War Center in Gulu stands ready to receive a big influx of the LRA's captive children if peace talks ultimately prove successful. Accommodation has been prepared and more than 80 staff trained to counsel the youngsters.For more than a decade, the center has helped rehabilitate an estimated 15,000 children who successfully escaped from the LRA. It provides shelter, food, medical treatment and Christian counseling.World Vision also advocates for the victims of this 20-year war, calling on the U.S. government to provide high level political and financial support to bolster the peace talks and increased funding to help children and families in need.
Get Involved
>> Make a monthly pledge as a Gulu Community Partner. Your gifts will provide access to resources that can give hurting children in Gulu the promise of a better future.
>>
January 30, 2007
James Addis - Advocacy & Communications
Fears that the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) will resume fighting in northern Uganda have spread panic in the region and prolonged the agony for captive children.
Disagreements
But ongoing peace talks between the LRA and the Ugandan government since the ceasefire have been marked by unrest, including frequent walkouts by the LRA, and accusations of violations of the ceasefire agreement by both sides.The latest disagreement occurred when Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir threatened to "get rid of the LRA from Sudan." The LRA says this means it's no longer safe for them to continue peace talks in Juba, southern Sudan and has suggested switching the venue for further discussion to Kenya or South Africa.
Displaced in Flux
But the Ugandan government insists talks continue in Juba. And some consider the suggestion by the LRA a stalling tactic.Another major point of contention is a decision by the International Criminal Court to issue warrants for the arrest of LRA leaders for crimes against humanity. The LRA wants the warrants withdrawn.World Vision Relief Manager Amos Omoya said the threat of more violence from the LRA could mean the war's displaced people - who had moved to outlying resettlement camps, ready to reclaim their land - may seek safety by returning to the bigger, more crowded camps in the towns.
15,000 Children Rehabilitated
Meanwhile World Vision's Children of War Center in Gulu stands ready to receive a big influx of the LRA's captive children if peace talks ultimately prove successful. Accommodation has been prepared and more than 80 staff trained to counsel the youngsters.For more than a decade, the center has helped rehabilitate an estimated 15,000 children who successfully escaped from the LRA. It provides shelter, food, medical treatment and Christian counseling.World Vision also advocates for the victims of this 20-year war, calling on the U.S. government to provide high level political and financial support to bolster the peace talks and increased funding to help children and families in need.
Get Involved
>> Make a monthly pledge as a Gulu Community Partner. Your gifts will provide access to resources that can give hurting children in Gulu the promise of a better future.
>>
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
