History of the LRA

Who are the LRA?

The African Great Lakes Region, the area where the LRA is active especially in Uganda and DRC. The Central African Republic and Southern Sudan (north of DRC and Uganda), not included in the Great Lakes, are also part of LRA territory.LRA stands for the Lord's Resistance Army. They were established in 1989 in Uganda as the successor to the group Holy Spirit Movement. They have since fought to overthrow the Ugandan government and implement their brand of Christianity through their own regime. Their tactics have included the murder, rape, mutulation and kidnapping of hundreds and thousands of people across Uganda, Sudan, Central African Republic, and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Who leads the LRA?

The LRA is currently led by Joseph Kony who is as mysterious as he is dangerous. He is wanted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. He is said to be responsible for the murder, kidnap and displacement of hundreds of thousands and attempts to create a dialogue with him have continually failed. LRA soldiers as well as many civilians fear Kony as he is said to possess certain magical and god-like powers. Although Kony originally wanted to save his people, the Acholi people of Uganda, he is now also using terminology such as the need to 'cleanse' them and annihilate those who are not supporting him. Kony's character is said to be changeable and unpredictable, making him extremely dangerous.

Joseph Kony, leader of the LRAWhy have the LRA not been defeated?

History has shown guerilla armies to be extremely difficult to eliminate. Although the LRA are fighting to overthrow the Ugandan government, they are said to often operate from South Sudan leading to accusations of support for them from the Sudanese government, something the Sudanese have strongly denied. The LRA has also moved across the border to the Central African Republic where they have recently killed three foreign aid workers. Due to this cross border movement it has made fighting the LRA much more difficult for the national armies despite the Ugandan army being given permission to move into Sudan and the CAR.

The Ugandan President has also blamed donor aid countries whom his country relies upon for demanding their defense budget remain low. National army leaders have also been accused of corruption by MPs.

What has been the effect on civilians?

The effect on civilians in a number of countries has been devastating. The LRA purposely attacks innocent civilians as they believe it will put the government under pressure. The LRA have not only murdered thousands; but they continually rape women, mutilate people, and kidnap children using them for child soldiers. Millions have been displaced as a result of their actions with many unable to return home and those that can have to rebuild their lives from scratch. The LRA have also targeted villages that are fertile and prosperous leaving many areas with food shortages.

A victim of brutal LRA mutilation. This boy has had his ears, lips and nose cut off by LRA soldiers. Often hands are cut off as well.This method of mutilation is used to instil fear throughout the region.

Can the LRA be stopped and what can we do?

The horrific acts performed by the LRA is what has made the conflict so significant and needs international recognition. Cooperation between neighbouring governments is vital and any level of support for the LRA if it exists, must be stopped. There also has to be more involvement from the international community as this has become an international concern due to the scale of devastation.

We must show recognition for what is happening in these countries at the hands of the LRA and show our support for the victims. Refugees and internally displaced people need as much funds as possible so they can survive and rebuild their lives. Huge changes are only to be made however if governments around the world act. We must therefore raise as much awareness of the devastation caused by the LRA and show that inaction will not be tolerated.