War on hold for satellite phone delivery
Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni ordered in 24-hour ceasefire to allow the delivery of a new satellite phone to rebel leader Kony:
A Brussels-based global conflict resolution group has revealed that consultative talks with the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) leaders broke down due to a fault with the rebels’ satellite phone.
In a 13-page report released on 23 June, the International Crisis Group( ICG) say that after Kony’s direct contact with the chief government negotiator, Betty Bigombe, on 17 April, he went silent for three weeks. He reconnected with Bigombe on 21 May and claimed the interruption was due to damage to his satellite phone,” the report says. Sources say President Yoweri Museveni directed the procurement of a new phone for Kony, to facilitate the talks.
The ICG report titled, “Building a comprehensive peace strategy for northern Uganda,” says on 15 June, Museveni agreed to a 24-hour limited cease-fire so Bigombe can deliver a new satellite phone to the LRA.
