LRA dissatisfied with Southern Sudanese Vice-President Riek Machar.

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It has been reported that, “Uganda’s rebels have formally written to the government asking for Southern Sudan Vice-President Riek Machar to be sacked as a mediator at the Juba peace talks.”

They are calling for changes as they express their dismay saying they do not trust Riek Machar.

They feel other countries are in a better position to mediate. “The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) asked for Kenya or South Africa to be considered as venues and new mediators. An LRA spokesman told the BBC it was important to find a new venue as the rebels were being attacked in Sudan.”

But for Museveni and his government things look different. They have issued stern warning to the rebels. “The Ugandan army has threatened to shoot rebel fighters if they try to re-enter Uganda.”

The talks is necessary. The Ugandan people have suffered for many years now. “The talks have been seen as the best chance to end 20 years of conflict but progress has been slow. Last week, Southern Sudan President Salva Kiir said the LRA fighters were not welcome in Southern Sudan any more.”

The problem that is delaying the success in talks is the fact that “LRA leader Joseph Kony and three of his top commanders are wanted on war crimes charges by the International Criminal Court and have indicated that no deal can be signed while warrants for their arrest remain in place.”

Unless a deal of some kind is struck, that will save Kony and his associates from capture, we are yet to see the end of the conflict.

 

By Korir,

Published by African Press in Norway, APN, africanpress@chello.no, tel +47 932 99 739, source.nation.eastandard.ke