LRA Talks Resume as LRA Assembles

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 002161

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS UN UG SU
SUBJECT: LRA Talks Resume as LRA Assembles

Ref: Khartoum 2038


1. (U) SUMMARY: Talks between Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army
(LRA) resumed in Juba on September 6, amidst increasing reports of
LRA fighters moving to their assembly points. Talks are now
focusing on the social issues in northern Uganda. Most observers
are optimistic about the talks, but are now discussing whether the
negotiations can successfully address the fundamental social issues
in Uganda. Meanwhile, Switzerland is searching for a way to
continue its support without undermining the authority of the
International Criminal Court (ICC). END SUMMARY.

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Machar Returns as the Process Gains Momentum
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2. (U) After an initial recess to allow the cessation of hostilities
(CoH) to take effect, talks have been on hold since Sunday because
the lead mediator, Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) Vice
President Riek Machar had traveled to one of the assembly points,
Owiny-ki-Bul. He wanted to ensure the designated area was not
mined, and to boost support from the local population. Owiny-ki-Bul
is 10 km from the Ugandan border, just outside of Parajok and east
of Nimule. The second assembly point, Ri-Kwangba, is on the Congo
border south of Maridi, next to Nbanga and near the LRA's Garamba
park base.


3. (U) Over the past week, there have been increasing reports of LRA
fighters emerging from the bush and proceeding to the assembly
points, despite early complaints from LRA leader Joseph Kony about
designated routes, and accusations of minor CoH violations on both
sides. Surprise encounters between Ugandan military (UPDF) and the
LRA have all ended peacefully, and one of the ICC indictees, Dominic
Ongwen, has reportedly received food and safe passage from the
UPDF.


4. (SBU) This initial success has led to a wave of exuberance in
Southern Sudan; any mention of the peace process at the opening of
Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly (septel) met with cheers and
loud applause. The discussions are now shifting from whether these
talks can succeed to whether there is room in a deal with Kony to
solve Uganda's underlying social issues. A team of observers, led
by Gulu District Chairman Norbert Mao, is trying to help steer the
process in that direction. Chairman Mao told the Acting Consul
General that he wants to ensure Kony is northern Uganda's last
rebel.

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Switzerland Trying to Support Peace and ICC
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5. (SBU) Swiss ambassador for humanitarian affairs, Jean-Daniel
Bieler, also wants these talks to lead to a lasting and just peace.
In Juba to consult with the Swiss humanitarian advisor to the talks,
Ambassador Bieler believes the process may eventually marginalize
Kony, placating the LRA leader while focusing on the root causes of
Ugandan's social problems. While he thinks this development should
be encouraged, he expressed fears that Kony may end the talks if he
sees it moving in that direction.


6. (SBU) Bieler is also concerned that the negotiators are not
really working to resolve the ICC issue. If a deal is reached, he
does not want it to be scuttled by The Hague Court. That, Bieler
said, is the paradox of the Swiss position: they want to support
the talks without undermining the authority or legitimacy of the
nascent ICC. The Swiss Ambassador does not believe there will be an
acceptable legal solution to this conundrum, so he would like the
international community to find a political one. While difficult,
Bieler thinks this is essential for the continued viability of the
ICC. He requested U.S. support in finding this solution.

HUME