Policy Q&A
Information about what we're advocating for and why
Q: Why does the US have a unique role in ending this conflict?
A: The US has considerable influence with countries in central Africa affected by the LRA, as well as key actors in the international community. This leverage, if used responsibly, can ensure that a viable plan to end LRA violence is implemented and concrete progress on reconstruction and reconciliation in northern Uganda is achieved.
Q: What will the "LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act" do?
A: The legislation will strengthen the Obama Administration’s efforts to end LRA violence and help facilitate meaningful recovery and reconciliation for LRA- affected communities in northern Uganda and central Africa. Specifically, it:
- Requires a strategy for stopping the LRA: The bill mandates Secretary of State Clinton to devise an interagency strategy to apprehend top LRA leaders and demobilize child soldiers held within rebel ranks;
- Provides lifesaving aid: It increases emergency support to communities in the DR Congo most affected by recent LRA attacks;
- Invests in sustainable peace: The legislation will target US assistance to recovery and reconciliation efforts in northern Uganda to help prevent further outbreaks of conflict.
Q: What’s the job of a Special Envoy?
A: The LRA has terrorized civilians in four different countries in recent years and has proved highly skilled at exploiting vulnerable borders and rivalries between regional governments. Unlike US ambassadors, a special envoy will be able to coordinate with all actors across central Africa and raise the profile of the crisis among policymakers in Washington, DC.
Q: Why does Joseph Kony need to be arrested?
A: Kony’s rejection of the peace process last year demonstrated he was not interested in a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and his decision to launch a massive wave of attacks on civilians gives renewed urgency to the need for his arrest. If Kony is arrested it will help build momentum for lasting peace in the region.
Q: What should happen to all of the child soldiers still in the bush?
A: Any military operations that target Kony and top LRA leaders must refrain from endangering child soldiers held within LRA ranks. Regional governments should work with the UN to facilitate the escape of child soldiers and help them return to their families and communities.
Q: What are the root causes of the war?
A: The roots of this war are deep, tracing back to British colonial rule and a history of cyclical violence and ethnic tensions in Uganda. Unless these divisions are healed by robust transitional justice efforts, renewed conflict in the country is possible.
Q: How can such a small army wreak havoc for so many?
A: The LRA’s devastating impact on communities in the region is primarily the result of the failure of regional and international leaders to dedicate the political will and resources needed to protect civilians from violence and establish inclusive, functioning governments.
Q: Why hasn’t the US done more before now?
A: For two decades US policy in northern Uganda and central Africa has been dominated by a narrow definition of national interests that prioritizes convenient geopolitical alliances over the well-being of ordinary citizens in the region. But our collective advocacy can help transform US policy and make peace a priority for our leaders!