A look at the regional impact of the LRA

Yesterday, Reuters published an article looking at the impact the LRA has been having on the Greak Lakes region of Africa and outlining the potentially disastrous impact they could have should they not be disarmed.

While many questions still remain regarding the LRA's (and leader Joseph Kony's) intentions right now, there is growing fear that unless the rebel group is dealt with, they will present a clear and present danger to at least four countries in the region. "The fear now is that Kony will roam around the lawless corners of the DRC, Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR) as a gun for hire...and Kony is already reported to have made links with rebels in CAR and Chad."

It's important to note that the article also makes mention of all of the progress that has been achieved so far, and the imperative for continued engagement by the international community:

"The talks have curbed the threat the LRA poses to civilians in the region and, as a result, there has been a gradual normalisation of life. Although still fearful of an LRA return, most of the almost 2 million people displaced by the conflict have started to return home from emergency camps to rebuild their villages, wells and schools and to plant new fields."