By KT Reporter
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has reaffirmed that it continues to receive intelligence on the whereabouts of fugitive Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leader Joseph Kony, despite its decades-long struggle to apprehend him. Kony, who led a brutal rebellion in northern Uganda that left thousands dead and displaced millions, has been on the run since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him in 2005.
Earlier this month, the Court confirmed all 39 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity against Kony in absentia, in a landmark decision covering crimes allegedly committed between July 1, 2002, and December 31, 2005. However, ICC officials reiterated that Kony’s trial cannot proceed until he is captured or voluntarily surrenders.
While some victims in northern Uganda welcomed the confirmation of charges, they also expressed frustration over the ICC’s failure to bring Kony into custody after nearly two decades. Wilson Aboda, a representative of victims of LRA atrocities in Lukodi Village, Gulu District, told Uganda Radio Network on Thursday that the ICC should expedite efforts leading to Kony’s arrest.
Aboda argued that the ICC, working with its numerous state partners, should be able to locate and capture the rebel leader. “We understand that the ICC doesn’t have its own army, but can’t it work with its state partners to capture Kony? What if he’s never arrested — will the victims have to wait even 100 years to get justice or compensation?” he asked.
Leonie von Braun, Senior Trial Lawyer in the Office of the ICC Prosecutor, said on Wednesday that while the Court understands the frustrations of affected communities, it remains constrained by its lack of an enforcement arm. She explained that under the Rome Statute, the ICC relies entirely on cooperation from member states to apprehend suspects.
Von Braun confirmed that despite the challenges, the Court continues to receive intelligence about Kony through its partners, but she declined to provide details, citing confidentiality. “There’s intelligence, and there’s information. These can change at times, and we cannot disclose details about what we have, our sources, or who we are working with because it’s too sensitive to discuss publicly,” she said.
She added that ICC intelligence indicates that Kony is still alive. Von Braun acknowledged the deep frustration among victims but urged them not to lose hope. “I share the frustration that it is taking so long to apprehend Joseph Kony. The wheels of justice sometimes move too slowly, but they do move. We are working to ensure he is arrested so we can move to the next stage,” she said.
She noted that although the confirmation of charges has concluded, the Office of the Prosecutor continues to preserve evidence, engage witnesses, and ensure their protection ahead of a future trial should Kony be captured or surrender. Dahirou Sant-Anna, International Cooperation Advisor in the ICC Office of the Prosecutor, said concerns about reparations raised by victims can only be addressed after Kony appears before the Court, undergoes trial, and is convicted.Joseph Kony remains the ICC’s longest-wanted fugitive, still facing 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity. His whereabouts, however, remain unknown, according to the World Court.
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