Contents
Acknowledgements
Acronyms
Chronology
Further reading
Key texts and agreements
Map: LRA areas of operation
Maps Uganda
Profiles
Initiatives to end the violence in northern Uganda
2002-09 and the Juba peace process
The 24-year war between Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government is one of Africa’s longest.
Following the breakdown of the Juba peace process in December 2008 the LRA have spread to inflict violence on civilians in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Southern Sudan. Military operations by Uganda and other governments have only worsened insecurity.
The Juba talks offered an unprecedented opportunity to end the war. Mediated by the Southern Sudan government, negotiations secured a cessation of hostilities agreement that enabled thousands of internally displaced Ugandans to return home, and spelt out a peace deal.
But there were many problems. The process lacked genuine Ugandan government political engagement; shortfalls existed in the authority and legitimacy of the LRA delegation; and difficulties over justice loomed large. Ultimately, LRA leader Joseph Kony refused to sign the Final Peace Agreement.
Although obstacles to peace remain, there is much to learn from Juba.
This supplement to Accord 11 (2002) Protracted conflict, elusive peace: initiatives to end the violence in northern Uganda reflects on events from 2002-09, with a focus on the Juba process and:
- issues of international vs Ugandan justice
- the nature of international involvement
- the impact of military offensives on the conflict.
The emerging lessons are intended to inform ways forward for peace
in the region and peace processes elsewhere.
