The LRA has threatened to withdraw from the talks in South Sudan if the Government of Uganda (GoU) and donors cannot provide consultation travel expenses of $2 million. The GoU deemed this sum “unrealistic” and the European Union has henceforth refused to engage in direct negotiations with the LRA. Since this request was made at the end of July, little has been done to encourage the peace process to proceed.

The standstill comes as a disappointment after the optimism surrounding the signing of a reconciliation and accountability agreement in June. Both sides agreed to utilize national and traditional judicial mechanisms for pursuing peace in the region but fell short of announcing a full-fledged peace agreement. The government’s Defense Minister Dr. Crispus Kiyonga has also said that it has an alternative plan for pursuing peace and stability if the Juba process fails – a sign that, despite its stated commitment, it may not be investing all of its energy in these talks.

Odama’s call for implementation of the reconciliation agreement is therefore a welcome encouragement in this time of uncertainty. Over one million northerners remain displaced in camps, high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder are going untreated, and victims of the war have yet to receive recompense for their injuries. The time is now and AFJN encourages you to take part in this week’s lobbying efforts by visiting or calling your Congressperson and expressing your concern for the fragile peace process in northern Uganda.