'Kony 2012' Sequel: Invisible Children Releases Kony 2012: Part II - Beyond Famous' (VIDEO)

Invisible Children has released a sequel to its "Kony 2012" film after more than 100 million viewers helped make the Ugandan warlord Joseph Kony infamous worldwide.

The new film "Kony 2012: Part II - Beyond Famous" released Thursday comes in the wake of worldwide criticism that the original video simplified complex issues related to the years of conflict in Uganda. The sequel aims to provide a more in-depth look at Kony's Lord's Resistance Army, which turns children into soldiers and slaves as a means to destabilize the government.

In the video, Invisible Children offers what it calls a "comprehensive approach" to stopping Kony, which includes civilian protection, urging peaceful surrender, providing rehabilitation centers in post-conflict areas and arresting Kony.

"Kony 2012: Part II - Beyond Famous" delves deeper into the fact that traditional peace talks by political and religious leaders have not been able to stop Kony.

"The lesson learned is they commit crimes again," says Luis Moreno-Ocampo, chief international criminal court prosecutor, in the film. "Kony [at] different times proposed peace and then just regained strength and attacked. These guys are committing crimes as a normal way to get power."

Invisible Children co-founder Jason Russell, who suffered a highly public mental breakdown on the streets of San Diego, does not play a part in the film.

As was the case with the original film, the sequel urges viewers to take action and contact policymakers. In the U.S., two bipartisan resolutions supporting the efforts to disarm the LRA were introduced and have now been sponsored by 92 members of Congress, according to the video. And on March 23, the African Union announced the establishment of a Regional Cooperation Initiative to coordinate efforts to end LRA violence in Central Africa.

The second video reminds viewers to heed the call to action on April 20 for the "Cover the Night" movement. Supporters will have the opportunity to show a unified front by serving local communities and contacting policymakers.

"We are a new generation of justice made for such a time as this, because our liberty is bound together across the world and across the street," says the narrator in the video.

Learn more about what you can do through Cover the Night here.

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• Self-proclaimed mystic Kony began one of a series of initially popular uprisings in northern Uganda after President Yoweri Museveni seized power in 1986. But tactics of abducting recruits and killing civilians alienated supporters.

• The LRA is infamous for kidnapping children for use as soldiers, porters and "wives". Although there are no universally accepted figures, the children are believed to number many thousands. Some are freed after days, others never escape. <br> <em>Trauma counselor Florence Lakor, right, listens to 16-year-old Julius, as he tells of the two years he was forced by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) to live as a guerrilla fighter in Sudan and Uganda. (AP)</em>

• Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the 21-year war. A landmark truce was signed in August 2006 and was later renewed. But negotiations brokered by south Sudanese mediators have frequently stalled.

• The cessation of hostilities has been largely respected, but the guerrilla group has said it will never sign a final peace deal unless the International Criminal Court drops indictments against its leaders for atrocities. <br> <em>Uganda's Interior Minister Ruhakana Rugunda, right, and the head of the government peace talk delegation exchanges documents with the leader of the Lords Resistance Army peace talks delegation Martin Ojul, left, after signing a ceasefire agreement at State House in Kampala, Uganda, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2007. (AP)</em>

• Kony's force was once supported by the Khartoum government as a proxy militia, although Sudan says it has now cut ties with the LRA. Kony left his hideouts in south Sudan in 2005 for the Democratic Republic of Congo's remote Garamba forest. <br> <em>Map shows areas in Africa where the Lord's Resistance Army has had a known presence in the past year. (AP)</em>

• Many northerners revile Kony for his group's atrocities, but also blame Museveni for setting up camps for nearly 2 million people as part of his counter-insurgency strategy, fuelling one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. <br> <em>Internally displaced people line up to receive food provided by the World Food Programe, Thursday, June 15, 2006 at the Pabbo camp outside Gulu, northern Uganda. (AP)</em>

• Kony has said he is fighting to defend the Biblical Ten Commandments, although his group has also articulated a range of northern grievances, from the looting of cattle by Museveni's troops to demands for a greater share of political power. <br> <em>Joseph Kony, leader of Uganda's Lord's Resistance Army, second right, and his deputy Vincent Otti, right, are seen during a meeting with a delegation of Ugandan officials and lawmakers and representatives from non-governmental organizations, Monday, July 31, 2006 in the Democratic Republic of Congo near the Sudanese border. (AP)</em>

Comments

[garnicai]

10:28 PM on 04/09/2012

I think its a great idea to do follow videos regarding the Kony issue. I was really touched by the first video and was worried that it would just become a fad and be forgotten soon enough. Having Invisible Children update everyone on the positive effect the first video had on many and the success that has been achieved because of the word being spread. I think IC should also concentrate on other atrocities that are occurring in the world in the same manner. I was very impressed with the peaceful surrender tactics that were developed and put in bushes and how they were designed to be culturally sensitive. Although there has been a lot of criticism surrounding the campaign I think concentration and focus should be shifted to making Kony pay for what he has done and enable children in Africa to feel safe in some way.

I.G.
Comm 169I

[Robert Lovelace]

08:55 PM on 05/05/2012

"I was really touched by the first video and was worried that it would just become a fad and be forgotten soon enough. "

One month later. Worried yet? That whole thing was a joke. Slacktivism at its finest

[gatolulu]

06:05 PM on 04/08/2012

THE USA IS A THREAT TO WORLD PEACE.

[janetislight]

11:47 AM on 04/06/2012

No doubt about it, Kony is an awful man and has hurt thousands of children and killed their families. I don't care who takes up the challenge to end this man. They will had done an amazing thing.

Cover the night.

[whitenights]

03:00 PM on 04/06/2012

What about Musevini who IC supports? He used child soldiers, too. See the dilemma and how IC is not representing the truth?

[Talitha Baker]

10:35 AM on 04/06/2012

The trolls seem to lament that they have been hearing so much about Kony 2012 for a whole month now. Poor them.

What about the communities that have been plagued with war for 26 years? Don't you think they are truly ready to stop hearing about Kony because his name is tied to a potential attack on their home? What about the 57 people who were abducted just this past month while people have been actively trying to prove that IC is some sort of illumninati conspiracy? 57 humans, the same blood and flesh as us. It could have been us, really.

If you find IC's solutions imperfect, what is a better proposal? If you are bothered by hearing of the campaign is it because it challenges you to stop a modern day genocide, but that is too scary to consider? To avoid helping is it easier to pretend like this is an oil issue, not a human issue?

[whitenights]

03:06 PM on 04/06/2012

The reports of people being kidnapped in Congo are not just by the LRA. These "trolls" are Ugandans who know IC was lying by using outdated footage. Ugandans have a right to stand up for the false information. These communities you speak of were also plagued by Musevini as he did countless atrocities and used child soldiers, also. IC supports Musevini and chose not to state his acts because it would go better for their organization. Starting to make sense? Why support something that is going to do more harm than good? IC continues to lie on the number of LRA and states they are the main threat to Sudan which is false. The SSLA and other groups are far more of a threat in Sudan and Congo is being attacked by larger groups than the LRA. In fact, some are fighting each other. IC is not educated enough on this issue and by spreading inaccurate information more harm can be done by good. That is why it is crucial to listen to Ugandans not affiliated with IC. This is a huge issue. The better proposal? Listen to the nationals. Visible Children is a great source for national voices.

[Talitha Baker]

04:29 PM on 04/06/2012

I love hearing from Ugandans, and I especially love hearing from current victims in Congo, CAR, and South Sudan. That's why I loved Kony 2012: Beyond Famous so much. So few voices are coming from these three currently affected areas, but the ones I hear are saying "Stop Kony." You should check it out to hear directly from these victims. www.kony2012.com

In regards to the 57 abductees this last month, those numbers are documented at www.lracrisistracker.com and those are reports that come from the UN and other sites of refuge in the current war zone. It's an extremely accurate source, recently won "Best in Show" at the Creative Media Awards.

You are correct, my first statement could be offensive if it was misunderstood. If someone is Ugandan I am sure it has been more than one month that they have been hearing the name Kony. However, many westerners are "tired of hearing about this." I personally smile every single time this issue is brought up in any context. It is a delight to hear that people are aware of LRA violence and hopefully working to stop it.

[Johrune]

04:32 PM on 04/06/2012

You just referenced a Tumblr that was created by a student who has no prior expertise on the conflict or NGO's as a source.

What about the voices of those who are still being killed by the LRA in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, and South Sudan? I believe their voices deserve to be heard most of all.

http://www.hrw.org/features/dear-obama

IC does not support Musevini. Please do not spread misinformation. IC is focusing on a single problem because it is solvable. IC also never mis-stated the number of LRA. They said the Kony had abducted over 30,000 children since the LRA began in 1986, which he has.

Thank you for your time.

[JKmom]

09:54 AM on 04/06/2012

We, everyone has the power to make changes in the world around us. In what we do and what we strive to do. So many people are get so caught up in "THE BIG" picture that all they do is bitch and complain, talk and talk about all the reasons NOT to do anything.

Yeah, people dont want to be made to look like fools following causes that they dont feel right about or trust but I gotta ask......What have you done to help anyone outside yourselves and family? Reaching out to others and helping?

If this gives any of us adults and parents an example to follow and lets our children feel empowered enough to stand up and say this is wrong and do what they can to reach out to people near or far and make a difference and feel proud of themselves, this is a good thing.

No ,I am not a lemming, I think for myself and I think people need to realize if they want good in their lives and the world around them, do something to make it happen.

If you dont understand, maybe you cant but quit slamming others who are. People get so caught up in the negative and they get trapped in it and sadly it effects more than themselves.

[whitenights]

03:12 PM on 04/06/2012

I think a lot of the critics like myself have done a lot concerning this issue long before IC was around. You realize they joined on the tail end of the issue, right? Blindly following an organization is dangerous. IC wants to fund Musevini who also used child soldiers. They are aware of his atrocities but were advised not to focus on them to get more support for their organization. Parents should be teaching their children the importance of research and upholding truth. IC has always targeted children knowing their enthusiasm would win over parents. I have heard so many teachers and parents state they know this isn't a good organization, but they hate to squelch their child's enthusiasm. This is a bad practice. Instead, teach your children how to research and look for the truth. Teach children the dangers of following a false campaign like IC's. This is so much more beneficial for them and the world. Teach them to listen to the 100's of Ugandans who are upset with this campaign so much so that the film was banned for its false information.

[JKmom]

09:06 PM on 04/07/2012

what is the true bottom line story here, it's all overwhelming and what seemed like a good thing ...... I want to understand, but there's so much information and at this point Honestly I just can't , I do want to .

[whitenights]

12:27 AM on 04/08/2012

I just read this article. It covers some of what I said and wanted to say. He is a professor at San Diego State and has written a book on human rights in Uganda.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2012/04/201247943869166.html
I know this is tough, but you are doing the right thing by researching this. I have followed Sudan and other areas for years and have still learned things in the last couple of weeks. That is why independent media is nice.....what needs to be said gets said! I hope this helps!

[escholar]

06:27 AM on 04/06/2012

Kony & Everyone -
While Invisible Children's crusade to stop the evil acts of Kony and his LRA is the right thing to do, it is curious that Invisible Children, in both the first video and the sequel does not mention the Ugandan government and other actors, who have committed far more crimes in the region than Kony?

- http://globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=29652

[travishammill]

12:21 PM on 04/06/2012

most organizations that have programs in Uganda do not criticize the government there. Point being, if you criticize the government in the country where you are trying to work, you will be met with political opposition. Invisible Children is fully aware of the issues surrounding the Ugandan government. (Museveni and his staffers have made huge progress in combatting corruption since the beginning of the decade) This is why Invisible Children does not in any way, shape, or form, give any money to the government.

[whitenights]

03:15 PM on 04/06/2012

Yet they called for funding and training of the troops! They pose for pictures with Musevini? They do not report on how Kony agreed on a peace deal but did not show up due to threats of a battle? Neither are good. There are plenty of organizations who have shed light on Musevini....organizations that live and work in Uganda. Uganda's plus news sources are sharing what has and is currently happening. Anyways, the LRA is not in Uganda so why is this even being discussed? Also, the numbers IC gave about the LRA were grossly false and they lied about the LRA being the biggest threat in Sudan in Congo. So far from the truth. IC knew what it was doing by using outdated footage and 30 minutes was certainly enough time to share the truth.

[DanielAndrewDavid]

03:32 AM on 04/06/2012

That weird guy from San Diego isnt going to run screaming naked into the streat masterbating again is he?

[Sparkileptic]

02:51 AM on 04/06/2012

KONY2012 is another campaign created by people who have little to no other source of income. Rise above the ignorance. Kony may really be the international threat he is being made to be, but he is not the only one, and just supporting a bunch of filmmakers with technical know how is no longer valid. Jason Russel runs this campaign and he is diagnosed with psychosis. Rise above the ignorance.

[Mark Helfgott]

02:41 AM on 04/06/2012

Was this one also produced by the maniac who was running around LA naked? Not that there's anything wrong with that, unless he want's you to give him money. Where are my friggin posters?

[DanielAndrewDavid]

03:33 AM on 04/06/2012

I think it was San Diego. He ran naked and screaming into the streets in rush hour traffic and began masterbating.

[MaryTFic]

02:19 AM on 04/06/2012

This entire KONY issue makes me feel ill. I don't trust anything about it. Couldn't even bring myself to watch this second film. The underlying message is send more American military support to shore up the African Union, a parasite on a resource rich Continent. The children lose no matter what. Nothing will get better in Africa unless they, Africa, is allowed to create it's own currency. Hell, they have all the gold. The global fiat elite, corporations and military need to get OUT.

[LipBash]

12:52 AM on 04/06/2012

Obama gutted the Child Soldier Protection Act by executive order! A bunch of bluster but that is it!

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2012/04/05/Konyobama-2012-Part-IV

[travishammill]

12:22 PM on 04/06/2012

yes because Breitbart is real news. #sarcasm

[Mitakuye Oyasin]

08:49 PM on 04/16/2012

Dead men can no longer lie.

[LipBash]

12:49 AM on 04/06/2012

Obama struck down the Child Soldier Protection Act by executive order. All the bluster about Kony is just that. Here is what Obama has really done about child soldiering.

http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Peace/2012/04/05/Konyobama-2012-Part-IV

[Grady Broyles]

12:21 AM on 04/06/2012

Invisible Children's close ties to right wing evangelical groups active in criminalizing homosexuality in Africa and the creators of the Ugandan "kill the gays" law and it's ties with members of the notorious "The Family" and "C Street" disqualify them from support by any truly progressive person. Indeed, what is actually needed is more scrutiny of Invisible Children's shady behavior and history. Shame on HuffPo for pushing this.

[Tony Sanchez]

10:48 PM on 04/05/2012

No more jerking the gherkin

[whitenights]

10:01 PM on 04/05/2012

I think most people are aware this is a dangerous campaign and that IC has been morally wrong for misleading people. We need to contact representatives to let them know we do not want Musevini to be supported financially like IC is asking because he, too used child soldiers. We need to ask our representatives to let Uganda rebuild and support them in combatting their current issues: nodding disease, threat of death penalty for homosexuals, etc. We need to insist our representatives acknowledge the fact that Africa is dealing with this issue and western invervention can be harmful.

[travishammill]

12:24 PM on 04/06/2012

um, so when you say current issues, you don't include the LRA as a current issue?? There have been over 100 incidents regarding the LRA in the past 3 months. I'd say that's pretty current...

[whitenights]

01:29 PM on 04/06/2012

Hi Travis, The above comment stated the current issues in Uganda.The LRA is no longer there which IC initially implied until confronted. The numbers IC gave of existing LRA are grossly exaggerated. The main issue is Uganda does not want their past atrocities used to mislead people to believe the problem still exists. I along with others began raising awareness long before IC was around. When progress was made in 2005, our efforts focused on rebuilding.
Also, just so you are aware. IC is still giving false information about the LRA saying it is the biggest threat in Sudan. False, the SSLA and other issues are threats. Congo has more groups than the LRA that are fighting and considered a bigger threat. Most importantly, Musevini, whom IC supports, used child soldiers and committed atrocities. IC is ignoring this fact because they were advised they would get further in their campaign if they didn't mention his evil doings. Do you understand why it would be wrong to fund him? Africa knows their situation and does not need organizations like IC messing up a situation that has been resolved in Uganda and is being dealt with elsewhere. Don't just listen to IC staff (Ugandan and US), there are plenty of people like Evelyn (used to work with IC and is angry about the misleading campaign), Ugandan journalists, child soldiers who are upset with this campaign, trained activists & humanitarians. We should always listen to nationals and they do not want this campaign.

[whitenights]

01:33 PM on 04/06/2012

Need to state former child soldiers - Ishmael Beah is one. He wrote a book years ago about his experience. You can see his interview on CNN as well as Evelyn's. Visible Children blog did a fantastic job collecting information from Nationals if you want to take a loo there, too. Thanks for your question and if you have any more, please feel free to correspond. I hope you realize I am not writing to argue. This is a serious issue that could have serious consequences.