NGOs doubtful of real impact of Ongwen’s defection
LRA rebel Dominic Ongwen after his capture in Central African Republic. PHOTO | AFP.
The defection of one of the Lord’s Resistance Army’s top commanders Dominic Ongwen in January, his custody and pre-trial appearance at the International Criminal Court could have a double-edged impact on the campaign to end the violence in the region, organisations tracking activities of the rebel group fear.
This follows a recorded message that was broadcast on Radio Zereda in Central African Republic in which Mr Ongwen claimed that he had been granted full amnesty by the president, and encouraged other LRA fighters to defect.
