Prosecutor calls for renewed efforts to arrest LRA leader Kony in wake of new attacks |
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The Hague, 6 October 2008 ICC-OTP-20081006-PR359-ENG SItuation:
Uganda In the light of serious and converging information on attacks by the LRA against civilians in the DRC, ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo calls for renewed efforts to arrest LRA leader Kony and his top commanders. Reports indicate that on 17 September 2008 the Lord’s Resistance Army (“LRA”) attacked Congolese villages in the Haut Uelé District of the DRC (Dungu Territory). These attacks all follow a similar method with markets surrounded and looted, students abducted from school, properties burned and dozens of civilians killed, including several local chiefs. Tens of thousands have now been displaced. The Prosecution collected information indicating that at the end of 2007, Kony issued orders to abduct 1,000 persons to expand the ranks of the LRA. Kony is now implementing his plan. In 2005, the ICC issued arrest warrants against the top LRA commanders Joseph Kony, Okot Odhiambo and Dominic Ongwen. Kony-just as he has many times in the past--uses the peace talks to gain time and support, to rearm and attack again. The price paid today by civilians is high. The criminals remain at large and continue to commit crimes and they are threatening the entire region. Arrest is long overdue. The OTP again urges all actors, including regional and international organizations, to support and work together with the DRC and Uganda in the planning and execution of the arrests. The OTP thanks all those which have complied with OTP requests to cut off financial and other support to the indicted criminals |