Uganda and rebels make more progress towards peace accord, says UN envoy

The United Nations envoy for the peace process between the Ugandan Government and the rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) says more progress is being made in the talks between the two sides as they try to reach a comprehensive peace accord ending their long-running conflict.

Joaquim Chissano, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the LRA-Affected Areas, remains in Juba, where the Government of Southern Sudan is mediating peace talks between Uganda and the LRA, UN spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters.

Mr. Chissano reports that the parties signed a protocol that covers the issue of rehabilitation, recovery and development of northern Uganda, as well as the question of fair representation of that region in the national government and institutions such as the army.

The two sides are now discussing a ceasefire and have indicated they may come to an agreement on that within days, Mr. Haq added.

Today’s protocol comes days after Kampala and the LRA reached a deal – a move welcomed by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon – on mechanisms to implement the principles for accountability and reconciliation agreed to in an earlier accord.

Ugandan armed forces and the LRA have fought since the mid-1980s but signed a ceasefire in 2006 and have been engaged in peace talks in recent months in a bid to obtain a permanent settlement.