By Meryl A. White
Impunity Watch Reporter, Western and Central Africa

GULU, Uganda – Over the past 18 years, a rebel group, the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) killed over 1000,000 people in Uganda and displaced more than one and a half million civilians. During the 18 years of war, over 200,000 children were abducted. Today, an estimated 1.5 million people live in displacement camps.

On Tuesday, the LRA has asked for forgiveness from northern war victims. Martin Ojul, an LRA spokesman stated that “the LRA made plenty of mistakes and I ask forgiveness for what happened to our people.”

Archbishop of Gulu John Odama told the BBC’s Focus on Africa programme, “Forgiveness is healing and it has a more lasting effect then revenge, the perpetuation of hatred, the perpetuation of war.”

Walter, a victim of the violence stated that “the government should not pursue these people into court. They should return to Uganda willingly and the government should just be open to them.”

Local leaders want the LRA commanders to undergo traditional rituals and face the victims’ families. However, rights groups reject forgiveness as “too soft.” These activists want an international court to decide the fate of rebel leaders.

Consy Lawil, 35, who lost her ears, nose, and lips when rebels sliced them off with a machete, believes that LRA leader, Joseph Kony should be taken to The Hague and jailed for his actions.

For more information, please see:

Reuters – Uganda’s LRA rebels ask war victims for forgiveness  – 6 November 2007

BBC News –  How to Punish Uganda Rebels – 6 November 2007

BBC News – Uganda Rebels Ask For Forgiveness – 6 November 2007