These are just the usual NRM politicking . The Nrm is really not interested in the so called "peaceful solution" to the end the the tremendous Humanitrian crises now facing Northern and Eastern Ugandans. If indeed the NRM was and is serious about bring peace to the many suffering in Northern and eastern Uganda , they wouldn't have waited 20 years..and after tremendous international pressure to finally attempt in ernest to bring the wars in Northern and eastern Uganda to an end...Time will tell and gurge NRM seriousness..
MK
Matek Opoko <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Matek Opoko <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
June 02, 2006: Uganda-CAN May Analysis: Govt. Takes Bold Steps, But Forgets IDPs
in: Uganda-CANby: PeterIn the month of May, President Yoweri Museveni has taken a number of bold steps toward addressing the 20-year-war in northern Uganda both through military and dialogue. These steps have come with increasing international attention to the conflict and pressure for action. Each of these steps holds potential to end the war; however, it is essential that they are well coordinated and part of a comprehensive peace plan. Even more crucially, in the midst of elite politicking, the people of northern Uganda suffering in displacement camps cannot be forgotten or ignored. Click below for Uganda-CAN's latest analysis of the conflict dynamics during the month of May.
During the month of May, the Government of Uganda has taken a number of bold steps, including the following:
1.) On 4 May, President Museveni launched his Emergency Plan for Northern Uganda, which claims it will improve the humanitarian situation in the war-torn region.
2.) On 7 May, his defense minister Amama Mbabazi announced that the Ugandan government is working to mobilize a regional military response to disarm LRA and serve ICC arrest warrants. In recent weeks, the Ugandan government has even welcomed a regional UN envoy to coordinate such a response, though it still refuses Security Council action.
3.) On 16 May, after LRA leader Joseph Kony sent a request through President of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir for peace talks, President Museveni announced that he would give Kony until July to end hostilities and accept a peace deal. Museveni said that if Kony were serious about a peace settlement, the Ugandan government would guarantee his personal safety. Many are skeptical of the political will for such talks, yet Vice President of Southern Sudan Riek Machar has begun planning talks to begin next week in Juba.
4.) On 31 May, President Museveni called on the U.S. to lead a joint hunt of regional militaries for Kony and LRA leadership. While not retracting his peace deal, Museveni proclaimed that regional military pressure remains critical to stop LRA attacks.
Each of these moves shows new willingness to address the crisis and hopefully end it. However, in the midst of this necessary elite-level politicking, we fear the people of northern Uganda suffering in camps may be left behind. Their lack of participation and empowerment in the very processes that will determine their future makes the processes likely to fail. Even more, President Musevenis most recent statements that the LRA situation is under control downplays their suffering and exacerbates their disenfranchisement.
Today, the most glaring manifestation of the war continues to be the forced displacement of 1.7 million people, nearly half of them children. These internally displaced peoples (IDP) camps are over-crowded, lacking health services and amenities, and are protected only inconsistently. 1,000 people are dying each week in these camps, making it the worlds worst neglected humanitarian crisis.
Any serious effort to end the war must include seriously addressing the displacement and disenfranchisement of northern Ugandan communities. Yet, we fear the Government of Ugandas Emergency Plan for Northern Uganda lacks that seriousness and is just meant to quell rising international concern. Over the last decade, the government has presented numerous similar plans that have all done little to change the dynamics on the ground.
Perhaps we are cynical, but we challenge the government to prove us wrong. At the same time, we challenge the international community to not get it wrong.
With the latest headlines, it appears two strategies are being employed to end this conflict: military and dialogue. With the former, the Ugandan government is pushing for an internationally-coordinated regional military response to stop LRA attacks. With the latter, the government is engaging in dialogue with potential to end hostilities. Such dialogue may also be critical for needed national reconciliation. However, an effective strategy needs those and a clear and coherent third prong: secure return of IDPs to their land.
Both words are important: secure and return. First, it is quite clear that the camps, initially designed as a civilian protection strategy, are grossly inadequate. Return is the only way to end the horrific conditions and high mortality rates. Second, return will only be possible with security. That security will require a military or security contingent, perhaps a peacekeeping force, to guarantee the perceived and actual safety of families returning home. The international community has many roles to play in ending this war, but perhaps the most important and pressing is this.
Moving into the month of June, things are once again heating up in northern Uganda. Great potential holds great possibility. With a three-pronged strategy that puts the victims front and center, the Government of Uganda and international community can decisively end this, Africas longest running war. Otherwise, the status quo will once again win out and well-intentioned efforts will ring silent as the violent persists once again.
For further reference, see A Strategy for Ending Northern Ugandas Crisis. International Crisis Group, January 2006.__________________________________________________
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