UN humanitarian chief welcomes cessation of hostilities between Uganda and rebels

United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Jan Egeland is calling this weekend’s signing of an official cessation of hostilities between the Ugandan Government and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) the “best hope for sustainable peace in the region in some time.”

“I have consistently described the situation in northern Uganda as the world’s worst neglected emergency since my first mission there in November 2003,” said Mr. Egeland, who is also the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs. “Now, with the assistance of the Government of South Sudan, we have a real chance to make progress.”

The 20-year conflict has resulted in more than 100,000 deaths, two million people displaced, and 25,000 children abducted and forced into military service.

The cessation of hostilities is expected to enter into force at 6 a.m. local time tomorrow. Mr. Egeland is urging the LRA to release immediately all abducted women and children as a sign of goodwill.

“The humanitarian community stands ready to assist these women and children in their return and reintegration. Their immediate release would send a positive message to the international community that the LRA is serious about a peaceful resolution of the conflict,” he said.