We Need a Strategy, Not a Silver Bullet, to Stop the LRA

Since the late 1980s, the people of northern Uganda have lived a nightmare. Over the years, the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), led by the brutal Joseph Kony, forcibly abducted tens of thousands of children to fill their ranks as soldiers and sex slaves. Sadly, this nightmare went mostly unnoticed by the world community. Thankfully, that has started to change. Last month, nearly two thousand young people from across America came to Washington D.C to advocate for action to stop the LRA, a far cry from just a few years ago when the tragedy in Uganda was called the world's worst neglected humanitarian crisis. For a long time, the international community paid little attention and the Ugandan government did even less to protect its citizens living in the northern part of the country. Thanks in part to these young people, those days of neglect are over.

Yet the end of neglect has not meant the end of the LRA. First, in late 2005, the rebel commanders moved their base of operations into northeastern Congo. And since then, a series of new efforts have failed to resolve the crisis. From 2006 to early 2008, representatives of the rebels and Ugandan government negotiated a series of agreements in southern Sudan. These negotiations were not perfect, but they did achieve a cessation of hostilities and provided a framework to address the larger issues that enabled the conflict to exist for so long, including the grievances of northern Ugandans. Unfortunately, Kony repeatedly refused to sign the agreement and instead his forces launched new attacks in Congo, Sudan and, for the first time, Central African Republic.

Last December, the violence and bloodshed escalated significantly. The Ugandan military, with its regional counterparts, launched a coordinated offensive against the LRA's new bases in northeastern Congo, but it failed. Those planning the operation were unable to anticipate contingencies and did not take adequate precautions to protect civilians. When the operation failed to apprehend Kony and his top commanders, they retaliated against Congolese civilians. In the six months since, the UN estimates the LRA has killed an estimated 1200 Congolese civilians and abducted another 1500. Time and time again, rash military operations that are poorly designed and poorly carried out have inflamed this crisis rather than resolved it.

The United States provided support for both these efforts. In 2007, at the urging of Congress, the State Department appointed a senior diplomat to observe and assist the ongoing peace negotiations. And last year, at the request of regional governments, the Bush Administration provided non-operational, non-lethal assistance for the military offensive. But the twin failure of peace talks and military operations has shown that there is no simple solution to this crisis and that we can not just throw our support behind the single most promising initiative of the day. Advocates have tended to back either peace talks or military operations, but both those efforts in isolation have failed. It's time for a new, multifaceted strategy to confront the LRA.

That is why I joined with Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) in authoring the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act (S. 1067). Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA) has introduced the same proposal in the House (H.R. 2478). With the help of the thousands of young people, momentum for our legislation is gaining. If passed, the measure would require the Obama Administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to help protect civilians while seeking to eliminate the threat posed by the LRA. This legislation leaves it up to the discretion of the Administration to determine the specifics, but it seeks to ensure a multifaceted approach that includes all elements of U.S. policy -- economic, political, intelligence and military -- and coordinates our efforts across the four affected countries.

Our bill does not, however, encourage a new Ugandan-led military offensive against the LRA and does not sanction any specific military operation. Instead, it seeks to push a comprehensive approach in which military activity would be one component within a larger framework. Such an approach, though, should also include humanitarian components and support for credible diplomatic efforts to press for a viable political solution.

A comprehensive approach also requires attention to rebuilding the lives and communities of those most affected by the violence. The U.S. and other international donors have already contributed substantial funds to help recovery efforts in northern Uganda. But, we also need to ensure that the government of Uganda is upholding its end of the deal and that complementary steps are being taken to address the original causes of the war. To that end, the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act also includes support for transitional justice and reconciliation efforts. Ultimately, as we have seen with so many other conflicts, our success may depend less on how we end the violence and more on how we build the peace.

Senator Feingold is Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs.

Follow Sen. Russ Feingold on Twitter: www.twitter.com/U.S. Senator fr

Comments

[JeffinIllinois]

Here's a strategy for you....focus on getting this nation Universal Health Care.. Maybe we could improve the quality of the lives of ALL Americans and not just some. Maybe with improved health care we could free up some disposable income or improve the U.S. budget so that we could act in humanitarian crisis. Let's also remember the crisis we create for people in Iraq and Afghanistan. Put your own oxygen mask on first before you help others.. otherwise you create two problems.

[Chaimirija]

if we had single payer we would have more time to think about world issues

[AhnAmuru]

I've been to Northern Uganda and believe the legislation is very appropriate and much needed.

One caveat on working with the Ugandan government on development aid issues: -

The Uganda government is infamous for diverting resources from the needy and deserving, usually situated in conflict areas, to political allies and politically allied regions in the West and South. (The North usually supports the opposition party)

The mechanism for ensuring the aid reaches the right people needs to incorporate stringent monitoring and measurable feedback.

Probably the biggest disservice the US could do those affected by the Northern conflict is hand the "cash" - development aid to Uganda's treasury as "bilateral aid".

Suggestion? Work through the plethora of international and local NGO's that operate in the targeted. region.

My experience is that the NGO's do a better needs assessment (than the government), are apolitical and have better established accounting, monitoring and evaluation capacity than the government.

This is not to say that the government should be disregarded, get them onboard as a co-partner. Again, my experience is that even if we (US) provide 90% of the funding they will find a reason not to cover the 10% (unless they see a political benefit from the North).

'nuff said!

[jayhawk67]

Russ Feingold and Sam Brownback co-sponsor a bill? That speaks volumes about the need for some action to be taken.
It also says a lot about and modifies Sen. Brownback's image in the mid-West in a positive fashion.

[xposeuganda]

For whatever reason, people keep repeating inaccurate statements like "Uganda has no oil.." Maybe it's ok for Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy) to be clueless, but for the rest...

Newsflash: UGANDA HAS OIL! and it is a big factor in this "humanitarian mission."

Uganda has been in talks with IRAN and CHINA for the construction of a refinery. Some of the biggest oil wells are in the same areas the LRA-UPDF war has been waged. Many Northern Ugandans are being blocked from returning home, because their land sits atop or near lucrative oil reserves.

Army Officers are Grabbing Amuru Oil Land
http://www.monitor.co.ug/artman/publish/regional-special/Reports_Army_officers_grabbing_Amuru_oil_land_86938.shtml

Norway Calls for Transparency with Oil
http://www.newvision.co.ug/D/8/13/686528

Secrecy, Woes over Uganda's Oil
http://www.independent.co.ug/index.php/cover-story/cover-story/82-cover-story/1171-secrecy-woes-war-over-ugandas-oil

Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090619-706782.html

The Atlantic
http://correspondents.theatlantic.com/lisa_margonelli/2009/06/uganda_the_next_saudi_arabia.php

[Klimb]

Very well stated!

[ahuffreader]

How does the Lord's Resistance Army get their money? How do they get their arms?

[AhnAmuru]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7885885.stm

http://www.state.gov/outofdate/bgn/u/10987.htm

[SheriffPatGarrett]

Admirable thoughts to be sure senator but I would ask that you keep your attention and good intentions focused on the state of Wisconsin which is collapsing economically and the social ramifications are increasingly beginning to take their toll. The rising violence in and around the state capital is remarkable in and of itself. Long standing employers are leaving the state in droves for more business friendly states and draconian costs, rules and regulations are forcing family farmers out of businesses that have supported generations. Perhaps you could spend some time with Governor Doyle and come up with some reasonable plans for Wisconsin, (he could definitely use some help as I am sure you are aware) before turning outside for benevolent endeavors. I would also hope that you would be taking a long hard look at the energy bill headed your way since in its current form it will crush the life out of middle class working Wisconsinites. My guess is just wading through this massive document will keep you and your staff busy for some time.
Please, help your constituents Senator, things are bad and getting worse fast right here at home!!

[ROLtheWolf]

While I agree with your sentiments, the Senator does not effect state policy as much as national. He could get some earmarks or recession-relief funding to Wisconsin, but he can't really influence the state's business or tax policies.

I think he should focus on a single-payer healthcare plan that takes the burden of healthcare costs off the backs of business. It would make hiring and firing easier, and give flexibility to the workers.

I agree that there is plenty of injustice here in America to keep his staff busy. And any efforts to mediate a conflict over oil are doomed to end unjustly, so why waste our time?

[KDog76A]

Good points, but did you have to go and shoot Russ in the back like that?

[Cookie Monsta]

I think your comments would be better directed to your State Senator. US Senators do not, generally, have much to do with in state politics.

[dadw5boys]

But will Americans weapons makers go along with the disarmament in Africa ?

They make a lot of money selling weapons and ammo there !!!!!!!!!

[sheila]

bingo! the reason this hasn't stopped is because we don't want it to stop as long as the Big War Profiteers are getting paid. Big Energy, Big War, Big Insurance, Big Pharma, Big Agra - there is no democracy here any longer and will not be until we remove the money from politics entirely.

[KDog76A]

Actually most of the weapons there are from Russia and China, but lets not talk facts, right? they don't matter so much...

[nb]

can he please be my Senator too? or can mine just be more like him?
why doesn't anybody else out there seem to get it like he does?
He's a Big Picture Progressive.

[jaggededge]

i moved from wi (feingold & kohl) to az (kyl & mccsame) imagine my dismay

[KDog76A]

all that to help destroy the environment by living in the desert and pumping water in from somewhere else... you should be dismayed, since you have your priorities messed up by going to place not meant to be inhabited by millions of people.

[Chaimirija]

You should move back...it is getting warmer

[DonVitoCorleone]

This reminds me of the Rwanda debacle between the Tutsi and Hutu during the mid 90s. Even when there was rampant genocide, the UN, US, and virtually all European and African countries turned a blind eye. If we can prevent or even minimize this disaster using multilateral efforts that include reconstruction and humanitarian aid then we should be involved.

[Klimb]

The problem in Northern Uganda started before Rwanda. Museveni and Kagame started a guerilla war with child soldiers in 1980 against a democratically elected Uganda govt and overthrew it in 1986 by installing their military one. This is 23 years later and the world is waking up to still support a president who has totally failed to govern a country and protect the Acholi people from genocide and a govt that has invaded its neighbours but gets away with it.
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=upITVcXw_Gk&feature=PlayList&p=8D60E7CB235D2D10&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=12
http://www.who.int/hac/crises/uga/sitreps/Ugandamortsurvey.pdf
http://www.blackstarnews.com/news/135/ARTICLE/5781/2009-06-17.html
http://www.blackstarnews.com/news/122/ARTICLE/5693/2009-05-19.html
http://www.icj-cij.org/docket/files/116/10455.pdf

[Vieweraudience]

What exactly is the purpose of the UN if not to intervene and stop these crises?

This legislation is an empty bag. No proposals other than to have the Executive branch fix the problem. Ground breaking thought Senator.

Pure grandstanding.

[KDog76A]

The UN is a joke, I know he sucks, but Bush pointed it out when the UN acted as the money launderer for Iraq in the Oil for Food scandal.

The UN has been a sham for much longer than that, as Im sure you know...

[bamboozled]

These comments are teeming with cynicism. Throw the guy a bone, already. He's trying to do something good for people who are in trouble, and not because there's something in it for Shell Oil or Halliburton.

When I think of what America's role ought to be internationally, and how our reputation might be improved, this is the kind of action that speaks volumes.

Like most horrific conflicts around the globe, this is one created by Western countries, either directly by the sale of guns, or by doing nothing about the illegal flow of weapons from arms dealers abroad. We have a responsibility to these people because of our own proliferation and distribution of weapons.

Americans are renowned for being self-absorbed. But we can't afford to be in today's world. Russ Feingold makes me proud to be an American.

[marco01]

With ya brother.

[KDog76A]

actually Russia and China are Asian countries. AK47s aren't made in the US... but we can blame Uganda's problems on the USm no problem...

[natturnerx]

i remember how unita in angola under jonas savimbi seemed to pose the same type of intractable problem; but a single bullet to savimbi ended that insurgency. assuming that this is the same type of leader-dependant insurgency, if the ugandan army can get good intel where kony is, & keep shooting in the bushes around that vicinity, they'll eventually get lucky.

[ayelayela]

"This legislation commits the United States to work with multilateral partners to develop a viable path to disarm the LRA, while ensuring the maximal protection of civilians. The legislation also encourages the United States to increase assistance over the next several years for recovery efforts, provided the Ugandan government demonstrates a commitment to genuine, transparent and accountable reconstruction."
While it offers too little too late, the last lines of the proposed legislation also suggests that the military option -- to disarm the LRA while ensuring maximal protection of civilians -- is more important than re-settlement and recovery efforts that have already been underway in Northern Uganda. As an Acholi woman from Northern Uganda, I speak for those of us who have lost children, siblings, parents, neighbors, friends, whole societies and a culture over the last several years. Our kin, many of whom are among the kidnapped children in the LRA have suffered enough. Bullets were never the answer, legislation or not. It may feel good for Feingold and co. to author such a document. They should know that there are well wishers among them who are watching and waiting and hoping that the guns stay silent in Northern Uganda. Any less is irresponsible.

[AhnAmuru]

The best way to "keep the guns silent" is provide economic opportunity to everyone through developments aid.

Post conflict governance needs to be forward looking.

[Klimb]

Northern Uganda used to be peaceful without much economic opportunity such as in west, south or east Uganda...if "the gun" is the answer to where there is no economic opportunity then, God help us in this world!

[Squaker]

"Our bill does not, however, encourage a new Ugandan-led military offensive against the LRA and does not sanction any specific military operation. Instead, it seeks to push a comprehensive approach in which military activity would be one component within a larger framework."

I would oppose sending more weapons and troops into Uganada
I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed in Feingold for advocating for more war. Especially when he tries to hide his intention with platitudes about comprehensive strategy.

[AhnAmuru]

Your animus is misplaced - think development aid.

[Squaker]

think armed warfare

[jazzybo]

Amen to that! Hey Feingold worry about poor Americans first!

[marco01]

I'll pass a little on my own needs as an American if some of our resources can stop a brutal, genocidal army.

I think I'll get by somehow. At least I don't have to worry about roving gangs of ruthless mercenaries sweeping through on occasion.

[KDog76A]

pass on universal healthcare then...

[marco01]

Poor Americans. One of the highest standards of living in the world.

[KDog76A]

not according to anyone posting about single-payer healthcare...