15.11.10 EurAc pleads for more dialogue in the approach against the LRA
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Brussels,
November 15th 2010
The network of European NGOs for advocacy on
Central Africa (EurAc) and its member NGOs have read with great interest the
various reports and declarations (Human
Rights Watch, Resolve,
Enough,
International
Crisis Group) on the problem of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). They
appreciate the attention that the different international bodies have given to
this cause of instability and suffering in four
countries.
For more than two decades the LRA has never
stopped terrorising the civilian population first in Uganda and later in the
DRC, the Central African Republic and Sudan. It is clear to EurAc and its
members that none of the military operations have brought an end to the crimes
committed by the LRA throughout this period.
In spite of the long history of the LRA its
composition, its structure and its objectives are not very well known. EurAc
believes that civil society organisations in the regions affected by the LRA
have a crucial role to play in understanding the LRA phenomenon and in
re-establishing dialogue. Should we not
refer to the initiatives taken by these organisations, to the positions they
have taken on the topic, in particular at the forum organised by Pax
Christi?
EurAc affirms that a lasting solution to the
LRA problem must be based on negotiation and dialogue. We share this vision with
the religious
leaders of the region. The military aspect is undoubtedly important but it
cannot have a lasting impact if it is not part of a wider
strategy.
This is the reason EurAc recommends to the
European Union and its members states to:
1) Explore, protect and enlarge
the space for a non-violent approach and a negotiated settlement. For
this
A) It is important to support
the civil society actors, especially religious leaders, and the traditional
authorities in their attempts to make contact with Joseph Kony to be certain
that he is really willing to take part again in the Juba peace
process.
B) In collaboration with local
actors including religious leaders and traditional chiefs, it is important to
mobilise every means to bring local LRA groups to attend and to remain within
the process of demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration (DDR). It is
especially important to launch an intensive programme of awareness raising by
radio, television, posters etc aimed at local LRA groups.
C) It is necessary to create on
the ground a reception infrastructure and human resources which will allow for
an effective DDR policy. The local communities have to be “trained” to receive
LRA deserters, rather than killing them which is sometimes the case at the
moment.
2) Harmonise the military
aspect of action against the LRA
A) Experience has shown that a
military operation on its own does not attain its objectives and it provokes
retaliation and the civilian population is the first victim. Military action
must be part of a wider strategy which must have enough capacity in the form of
human resources, intelligence and equipment.
B) The Uganda army, which is
currently active in the struggle against the LRA in the three other countries,
must have a very clear mandate and rules of engagement.
C) All the military actors who
are countering the violence of the LRA must act according to a common
operational plan which is part of a global strategy set up within the framework
of the Contact Group.
3) Prioritise the protection of
the population and the ending of human rights
violations.
A) Monusco’s presence should be
reinforced in order to protect the population.
B) The local administration,
the traditional authorities and other formal and informal structures in the
community must be mobilised to discuss how they can contribute in whatever way
they can to the creation of a safer community.
C) The formation of a truly
national, efficient and disciplined army remains an absolute priority as far as
the DRC is concerned.
4) Give a
strong signal that from now on the international community will treat the LRA as
a regional priority in a coherent and well co-ordinated manner. It is vitally
necessary to put the LRA on the international agenda. The creation of a
contact group made up of the four countries concerned, various UN missions,
several envoys and permanent members of the Security Council is important. This
group will allow space for negotiation and will enable a coherent strategy for
the protection of the civilian population to be
determined.
Kris
BerwoutsS
Joost van Puijenbroek
Directeur
EurAc
IKV/Pax Christi – Nederland
+32 485 070
852 +31 650 21
05 65