Uganda’s LRA Atrocities Are Spreading

Sherri Siegele

Uganda’s two-decade-old Lord’s Resistant Army (LRA) is spinning out of control with its presence now in 4 countries; Uganda, Sudan, Central African Republic and DR Congo. Additionally, the LRA has recently established a base in DR Congo.

As a result of the International Criminal Court refusing to drop LRA arrest warrants, the LRA would not sign a peace treaty last year. In response, joint government forces from Uganda, Congo and Sudan attacked the LRA. In retaliation and since Christmas Day the LRA has gone on a rampage and is viciously attacking villages in their path. According to UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) there are reports of houses being torched, villages being destroyed and abandoned, vicious killings, and people living in extreme fear without necessary resources. With lack of security it is not possible for humanitarian aid to reach these people. It is estimated that over 500 people have been murdered and over 100,000 have abandoned their homes.

At this time it appears that the International Criminal Court, local joint government forces, and the LRA are in an unending power struggle. If local government forces are unable to control the LRA this could lead to a large-scale genocide. Should the situation continue to escalate in favor of the LRA it will be interesting to see how much news coverage it will receive and, how many people will have to die before further international intervention occurs, if at all.