Top LRA Commander’s Transfer to ICC

Top LRA Commander’s Transfer to ICC “Historic”, “Victory for Victims” says Enough Project

January 13, 2015 --- Dominic Ongwen, one of the most senior commanders of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), will be transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Hague, according to the U.S. State Department. Enough Project analysts are available for interviews, background on Ongwen, and expert commentary on the LRA and significance of the ICC referral in this case.

Kasper Agger, Enough Project LRA expert and Uganda-based field researcher, said: “The transfer of Dominic Ongwen to the ICC is a major victory for the thousands of LRA victims and a chance for Ongwen to go through a fair trial. Hopefully this can draw attention to massive rebuilding tasks in LRA affected areas, including the need for a comprehensive reconciliation and transitional justice process in Northern Uganda.”

Holly Dranginis, Enough Project Policy Analyst, said: “Ongwen's transfer to the ICC is historic - a victory for the victims of the LRA's brutality, many of whom have been bravely demanding justice for over a decade now. It's also a welcome confirmation that the United States is increasingly supportive of the ICC's efforts in this region. The next step is for Ongwen to have a fair and thorough trial, with full consideration of crimes committed against him as a child, and robust protection for victims and witnesses.”

Abducted by the LRA at the age of 10, Ongwen rose in the ranks of the militia as a protégé of LRA leader Joseph Kony, and has been indicted by the ICC for multiple crimes against humanity including murder, pillaging, and enslavement.

More information:

• Enough Project statement on ICC referral in the Ongwen case: http://eno.ug/1sf99WO

• More background, expert commentary, and recent media coverage on the Ongwen case: http://eno.ug/1x5IkQr

• Interview with Kasper Agger - From the Bloody Trail of Kony’s LRA (December 24, 2014):http://eno.ug/1CVSRD6

• Briefing report on LRA illicit funding - Kony to LRA: “Bring me ivory, gold, and diamonds” (November 19, 2014): http://eno.ug/1uZL7OE

ENDS

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