The LRA conflict and the Acholi people of Uganda

Janae EnnsKelli KlingLindsay Atnikov

October 15, 2013

Background

In 1987 the LRA (a rebel Guerilla group) began to wage a terror campaign against the Ugandan government, forcibly recruiting its own people, the Acholi tribe. Because of this a devastating civil war broke out in Uganda until the peace talks were settled in 2006.

Background Cont…

1987- Lords Resistance Army (LRA) was formed

Revolutionary Terrorism

LRA fighting to overthrow president Yoweri and have a state built on his interpretation of the 10 commandments

Acts of domestic terrorism

Targets children (1987-2006) 20,000 children abducted

Entire Acholi population was displaced

Thesis

The LRA is a direct cause of devastation to the Acholi tribe in Uganda, creating an entirely new phase of civil war by their abductions, displacing cities and acts of terror, However the Ugandan government is also to blame.

Yoweri Museveni

Allegedly to protect the Acholi people from the LRA, president Yoweri Musevini forced millions of civilians into IDP (Internally displaced persons) camps throughout this period of 20 years.

- conditions- deaths

Not actually taking care of his people.

Displacement Camps

Museveni's government forced 1.4 to 1.9 million civilians into camps where they were to be protected by the Ugandan army. Yet the northerners living in these camps were prone to attack by the LRA and the national army alike, and unable to raise their own food.

Hundreds of thousands of Acholi have abandoned their homes in northern Uganda for fear of being abducted, and now live in refugee camps in appalling conditions,

Orchestrated Genocide

The Ugandan Government has been no help to the Acholi people in the IDP camps

WHY?

- 90% of Acholi population displaced in camps

Museveni was eyeing Acholi land for mechanized agriculture, secure oil, and other resources in Uganda.

If they aren’t on their land, the government can have it….?

Orchestrated Genocide

DEFINITION : GENOCIDEActs committed with intent to destroy in whole or in part a national, ethical, racial or religious group.

Now, think of the Acholi people:Planned neglect, slow death, slow motion, not broadcasted around the world, government knows these conditions are happening, doesn't’t do anything, no protection for the people.

ICC

October 2005 International Criminal Court’s issued arrest warrants for leaders of the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army

Peace Treaties

2006, final peace treaty was set to be signed by end of February

LRA refused because of the ICC indictments

Operation Lightning Thunder

Christmas Massacres

LRA Today

Left Uganda 2008 due to Juba Peace Talks

Still terrorize other parts of Africa

Limited contact with one another due to increased awareness (social media)

Went from 1,000 to approximately 300 fighters

Kony has still yet to be captured

References

Lomo, Zachary. (2004). Behind the Violence: Causes, consequences, and the search for solutions to the war in Northern Uganda. Kampala, Uganda.

Rune, Hijalmar Espeland. (2010). Forum for Development Studies: The Ugandan Army and its war in the North. University of Oslo.

Komakech, Lyandro. (2011). Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda. Makerere University.

Atkinson, Ronald. (2009). From Uganda to the Congo and Beyond: Pursuing the Lord’s Resistance Army. University of South Carolina.

Otunnu, Ogenga. (1996). Causes and Consequences of the War in Acholiland. Chicago.

Pham, Phuong; Vinck, Patrick; & Stover, Eric. (2007). Abducted: The Lord's Resistance Army and Forced Conscription in Northern Uganda. UC Berkeley: Human Rights Center.