Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities between the Government of the Republic of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army/Movement (LRA/M)

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Country/entity: Uganda
Region: Africa (excl MENA)
Agreement name: Agreement on Cessation of Hostilities between the Government of the Republic of Uganda and the Lord's Resistance Army/Movement (LRA/M)
Date: 26 Aug 2006
Agreement status: Multiparty signed/agreed
Interim arrangement: Yes
Agreement/conflict level: Intrastate/intrastate conflict
Ugandan Conflicts (1970 - )
Uganda has long experienced tensions along ethnic, religious and national lines. On independence in 1962, Ugandan politics were defined by smaller monarchies, among which the Southern Kingdom of Buganda dominated the national sphere. Resistance to this system was the campaign platform of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) led by Milton Obote, who won the 1962 elections. Tension between the Buganda’s ruler King Mutesa II and Obote with his then-ally Idi Amin, led to Obote changing the constitution, abolishing the monarchic system and thus, centralizing power. However, a split between Obote and Amin eventually led to a military coup d’état in 1970, which brought Amin the presidency where he instituted his genocidal regime.

Despite economic collapse, President Amin was only removed from power following a failed attempt at invading Tanzania in 1979, whereby the Tanzanian counter-attack alongside forces loyal to former-President Obote toppled Amin. Authoritarianism continued under the new regime, after Obote won the 1980 elections under dubious circumstances, and in 1985, Obote was once again deposed in a coup. Out of the fray, Yoweri Museveni and the National Resistance Army (NRA) captured the presidency in 1986 and began instituting economic and democratic reforms.

Resistance to Museveni, however, continued with various insurgencies across the country including by former-supporters of President Obote or President Amin. Other insurgencies based on chiliastic beliefs based on the return of Jesus Christ, most notably the Holy Spirit Movement, fought in the late 1980s before splintering into several smaller factions. One such faction later became the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony. Many of the 22 or more insurgency groups estimated to contain more than 40,000 insurgents, operate from across the Ugandan border and are based in either South Sudan or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Stage: Ceasefire/related
Conflict nature: Government
Peace process: Uganda peace process
Parties: Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda (Dr) Minister of Internal Affairs and Head of GoU Delegation

Mr. Martin Ojul, Leader of the LRA/M Delegation
Third parties: Witnessed by H.B. Lt General Riek Machar, Teny-Dhurgon (PhD) Vice President, Government of Southern Sudan and Mediator of the Peace Talks
Description: Cessation of hostilities agreement seeks to assemble LRA forces in safety and security. Calls on the parties to end propaganda between them and to create a mechanism to monitor implementation of the agreement.

Agreement document: UG_060826_Agreement on Cessation GoU LRAM.pdf (opens in new tab) | Download PDF

Groups

Children/youth: No specific mention.
Disabled persons: No specific mention.
Elderly/age: No specific mention.
Migrant workers: No specific mention.
Racial/ethnic/national group: No specific mention.
Religious groups: No specific mention.
Indigenous people: No specific mention.
Other groups: No specific mention.
Refugees/displaced persons: No specific mention.
Social class: No specific mention.

Gender

Women, girls and gender: No specific mention.
Men and boys: No specific mention.
LGBTI: No specific mention.
Family: No specific mention.

State definition

Nature of state (general): No specific mention.
State configuration: No specific mention.
Self determination: No specific mention.
Referendum: No specific mention.
State symbols: No specific mention.
Independence/secession: No specific mention.
Accession/unification: No specific mention.
Border delimitation: No specific mention.
Cross-border provision: Page 2, Article 4 Assembly Process of the LRA in the Sudan

...

b) The Parties agree that all LRA forces in Uganda and Sudan will assemble at Owiny-ki-Bul in Eastern Equatoria State on the Eastern side of the River Nile and those in the DRC at Ri-Kwangba in Western Equatoria State on the western side of River Nile.

Governance

Political institutions (new or reformed): No specific mention.
Elections: No specific mention.
Electoral commission: No specific mention.
Political parties reform: No specific mention.
Civil society: Page 2, Article 7, Communication of the Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities

...

The Parties shall ensure that the terms of this Agreement are widely communicated to their military forces, and including, but not limited to; media house (local and international), messages through places of worship and local councils, non-governmental, community and faith based organisations.

Page 3, Article 10 Provision of Basic Services

...

b) In the course of assembling the forces of the LRA, the GoSS may, in collaboration with the LRA and specialized humanitarian agencies, assist the LRA in its declared intention to relocate and make separate provisions for any non-essential members of the LRA in the care of specialized humanitarian agencies.
Traditional/religious leaders: Page 2, Article 4, Assembly Process of the LRA in the Sudan

(a) The Parties agree that places of worship in Uganda, designated in consultation with religious leaders, may serve as sanctuary for the LRA forces, if they so choose, from which they will proceed to Assembly Areas.
Public administration: No specific mention.
Constitution: No specific mention.

Power sharing

Political power sharing: No specific mention.
Territorial power sharing: No specific mention.
Economic power sharing: No specific mention.
Military power sharing: No specific mention.

Human rights and equality

Human rights/RoL general: No specific mention.
Bill of rights/similar: No specific mention.
Treaty incorporation: No specific mention.
Civil and political rights: No specific mention.
Socio-economic rights: No specific mention.

Rights related issues

Citizenship: No specific mention.
Democracy: No specific mention.
Detention procedures: No specific mention.
Media and communication: Rights related issues→Media and communication→Media roles
Page 1, Article 2, Hostile Propaganda
The Parties agree to cease hostile media and other propaganda campaigns, including any action that undermines the standing of the other.

Page 2, Article 7, Communication of the Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities
The Parties shall ensure that the terms of this Agreement are widely communicated to their forces and all concerned, through, but not necessarily limited to;
i. Normal military communications,
ii. Media Houses, both local and international,
iii. Messages through places of worship arid local councils,
iv. Non-governmental, community and faith-based organisations.
Mobility/access: No specific mention.
Protection measures: No specific mention.
Other: No specific mention.

Rights institutions

NHRI: No specific mention.
Regional or international human rights institutions: No specific mention.

Justice sector reform

Criminal justice and emergency law: No specific mention.
State of emergency provisions: No specific mention.
Judiciary and courts: No specific mention.
Prisons and detention: No specific mention.
Traditional Laws: No specific mention.

Socio-economic reconstruction

Development or socio-economic reconstruction: No specific mention.
National economic plan: No specific mention.
Natural resources: No specific mention.
International funds: No specific mention.
Business: No specific mention.
Taxation: No specific mention.
Banks: No specific mention.

Land, property and environment

Land reform/rights: No specific mention.
Pastoralist/nomadism rights: No specific mention.
Cultural heritage: No specific mention.
Environment: No specific mention.
Water or riparian rights or access: No specific mention.

Security sector

Security Guarantees: No specific mention.
Ceasefire: Security sector→Ceasefire→General commitments
Page 1, Untitled Preamble,

...

Determined to bring back peace to Northern Uganda and the conflict affected areas in Eastern Uganda thereby consolidating peace throughout the country.

...

Committed to finding comprehensive and durable solutions to the conflict by peaceful means and through dialogue;

Now therefore, the Parties hereto agrees to a Cessation of Hostilities as follows:

Page 1, Art 1, Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities

The Parties agree to cease all hostile military action aimed at each other and any other action that may undermine Peace Talks.

Page 2-3, Article 9, Supervision/Monitoring of the Implementation

There shall be a Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring Team (CHMT) that shall include two senior military officers.

iii. Two senior military officers appointed by the African Union (AU).
Police: No specific mention.
Armed forces: Page 2, Article 6 Monitoring and Protection at the Assembly Areas

(a) The Sudan People's Liberation Army shall monitor and protect the LRA at the Assembly Areas.
DDR: No specific mention.
Intelligence services: No specific mention.
Parastatal/rebel and opposition group forces: Page 2, Article 4 Assembly Process of the LRA in the Sudan,

...

(b) The Parties agree that all LRA forces in Uganda and Sudan will assemble at Owiny-ki-Bul in Eastern Equatoria State on the Eastern side of the River Nile and those in the DRC at Ri-Kwangba in Western Equatoria State on the western side of River Nile.

In accordance with Art 8 (page 2) and Art 11 (page 3) the Agreement shall be reviewed and renewed upon the progress of the negotiation and compliance of the parties.

8. Completion of Movement of LRA to Assembly Areas
The LRA shall complete their movement to the designated Assembly Areas within three (3) weeks of the declaration of the Cessation of Hostilities. In the event the assembly process is not completed within three (3) weeks, the Parties shall review the situation.
Withdrawal of foreign forces: No specific mention.
Corruption: No specific mention.
Crime/organised crime: No specific mention.
Drugs: No specific mention.
Terrorism: No specific mention.

Transitional justice

Transitional justice general: No specific mention.
Amnesty/pardon: No specific mention.
Courts: No specific mention.
Mechanism: No specific mention.
Prisoner release: No specific mention.
Vetting: No specific mention.
Victims: No specific mention.
Missing persons: No specific mention.
Reparations: No specific mention.
Reconciliation: Page 1, (Preamble)

Convinced of the urgent need for reconciliation at the individual, community and national levels;

Implementation

UN signatory: No specific mention.
Other international signatory: No specific mention.
Referendum for agreement: No specific mention.
International mission/force/similar: No specific mention.
Enforcement mechanism: Page 2-3, Art 9, Supervision/Monitoring of the Implementation

There shall be a Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring Team (CHMT) that shall report to the Mediator and shall be composed of:

i. Team leader who shall be a senior SPLA military officer appointed by GoSS in consultation with the Parties,
ii. Two representatives, each of the two parties.
iii. Two senior military officers appointed by the African Union (AU),

b) In the implementation of its functions, the CHMT shall be in regular contact with the civil and political leaders and the Mediator.

c) The Terms of Reference for the Team shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

i. Monitoring the implementation of this Agreement,
ii. Investigation and verification of any allegation of violations,
iii. Amicable resolution of any disagreement arising out of the implementation or interpretation of this Agreement,
iv. Analyzing and reporting events and trends to the Mediator, who will brief the Parties and the public on the progress,
v. Reporting violations to the Mediator and cases which could not be amicably resolved,
vi. When necessary, drafting joint statements to be approved by the Mediator,
v.. Arranging security and escort to ensure safe arrival of LRA forces to the agreed upon Assembly Areas,
viii. Determination of sanctuary referred to in point 4(a), above,
ix. Monitoring the delivery of basic assistance to the LRA in the Assembly Areas.
x. Recommending any additional Assembly Areas, if need arises.

Article 11 Renewal of Terms of the Agreement
After the assembly of the LRA in the Assembly Areas, the Agreement shall be renewed bi-weekly upon review of the progress of the negotiation and compliance of the parties.

Page 4,

13. Dispute Resolution
Any dispute arising from the implementation and/or interpretation of this Agreement raised by the CHMT shall bje resolved by the Mediation Team.
Related cases: No specific mention.
Source: UN Peacemaker. Available at: https://peacemaker.un.org/uganda-cessation-hostilities-LRAM2006 (Accessed 6 October 2020).

AGREEMENT ON CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES BETWEEN THIS GOVERNMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF UGANDA AND LORD'S RESISTANCE ARMY/MOVEMENT

JUBA, SUDAN

This Agreement (herein referred to as the "Agreement") signed BETWEEN the Government of the Republic of Uganda (GoU) and the Lord's Resistance Array/Movement. (

LRA/M);

both parties hereinafter referred to as "the Parties";

witnesseth that;

WHEREAS the GoU and the LRA/M are currently engaged in peace negotiations in Juba, Southern Sudan, being mediated by the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS).

DETERMINED to bring back peace to Northern Uganda and the conflict affected areas in Eastern Uganda thereby consolidating peace throughout the country.

CONVINCED of the urgent need for reconciliation at the individual, community and national levels;

COMMITTED to finding comprehensive and durable solutions to the conflict by peaceful means and through dialogue;

DETERMINED to end the effects of the conflict on the peoples of Uganda, Sudan and the Region;

RECOGNISING the progress we have made in our negotiations so far;

COGNISANT of the need to create a conducive environment for the successful completion of the peace talks.

NOW THEREFORE, the Parties hereto agree to a Cessation of Hostilities as follows:

1. Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities

The Parties agree to cease all hostile military action aimed at each other and any other action that may undermine the Peace Talks.

2. Hostile Propaganda

The Parties agree to cease hostile media and other propaganda campaigns, including any action that undermines the standing of the other.

3. Surfacing of LRA Forces

The Parties agree that the forces of the LRA shall surface wherever they may be present

4. Assembly Process of the LRA in the Sudan

a) The Parties agree that places of worship in Uganda, designated in consultation with religious leaders, may serve as sanctuary for the LRA Forces, if they so choose, from which they will proceed to Assembly Areas,

b) The Parties agree that all LRA forces in Uganda and Sudan will assemble at Owiny-ki-Bul in Eastern Sanatoria State on the eastern side of the River Nile and those in the DRC at Ri-Kwangba in Western Equatoria State on the western side of River Nile.

5. Safe Passage for LRA Forces

On commencement of the Cessation of Hostilities, the Government of Uganda shall order its Aimed Forces to guarantee safe passage to the LRA within Uganda to enable-them to move to the designated Assembly Areas.

6. Monitoring and Protecting the Assembly Areas

a) The Sudan People's Liberation Army shall monitor and protect the LRA at the Assembly Area.

b) In the event of failure of the peace talks, the LRA shall be allowed to leave the Assembly Areas peacefully.

7. Communication of the Declaration of Cessation of Hostilities

The Parties shall ensure that the terms of this Agreement are widely communicated to their forces and all concerned, through, but not necessarily limited to;

i. Normal military communications,

ii. Media Houses, both local and international,

iii. Messages through places of worship arid local councils,

iv. Non-governmental, community and faith-based organisations.

8. Completion of Movement of LRA to Assembly Areas

The LRA shall complete their movement to the designated Assembly Areas within three (3) weeks of the declaration of the Cessation of Hostilities.

In the event the assembly process is not completed within three (3) weeks, the Parties shall review the situation.

9. Supervision/Monitoring of the Implementation

a) There shall be a Cessation of Hostilities Monitoring Team (CHMT) that shall report to the Mediator and shall be composed of:

i. Team leader who shall be a senior SPLA military officer appointed by GoSS in consultation with the Parties,

ii. Two representatives, each of the two parties.

iii. Two senior military officers appointed by the African Union (AU),

b) In the implementation of its functions, the CHMT shall be in regular contact with the civil and political leaders and the Mediator.

c) The Terms of Reference for the Team shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

i. Monitoring the implementation of this Agreement,

ii. Investigation and verification of any allegation of violations,

iii. Amicable resolution of any disagreement arising out of the implementation or interpretation of this Agreement,

iv. Analyzing and reporting events and trends to the Mediator, who will brief the Parties and the public on the progress,

v. Reporting violations to the Mediator and cases which could not be amicably resolved,

vi. When necessary, drafting joint statements to be approved by the Mediator,

v.. Arranging security and escort to ensure safe arrival of LRA forces to the agreed upon Assembly Areas,

viii.

Determination of sanctuary referred to in point 4(a), above,

ix. Monitoring the delivery of basic assistance to the LRA in the Assembly Areas.

x. Recommending any additional Assembly Areas, if need arises.

10. Provision of Basic Services

a) The government of Southern Sudan shall provide food and.

service support to the LRA at the Assembly Areas

b) In the course of assembling the forces of the LRA, the GoSS may, in collaboration with the EJRA and specialized humanitarian agencies, assist the LRA in its declared intention to re-locate and make separate provisions for any non-essential members of the LRA in the care of specialized humanitarian agencies.

11. Renewal of Terms of the Agreement

After the assembly of the LRA in the Assembly Areas, the Agreement shall be renewed biweekly upon review of the progress of the negotiation and compliance by the parties.

12. Commencement of the Agreement

This Agreement shall come into force at 0600 hrs on Tuesday, 29th August 2006 upon declaration thereof by the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Armed Forces and the Leader of the LRA/M.

13. Dispate Resolution

Any dispute arising from the implementation and/or interpretation of this Agreement raised by the CHMT shall be resolved by the Mediation Team.

In witness of the above the duly authorized representatives of the Parties have signed this Agreement pn the 26th day of August, 2006,

Hon. Ruhakina Rugunda (Dr)

Minister of Internal Affairs and Head of GoSS Delegation

Mr. Martin Ojui

Leader of the LRA/M Delegation

Witnessed by:

H.R. Lt.

General Riek Machar Teny-Dhurgon (PhD)

Vice President, Government of Southern Sudan And Mediator of the Peace Talks.

Dated the 26th August, 2006.