LRA Deputy Commander Arrives At The Hague

Ongwen, a child soldier turned commander with the Lord’s Resistance Army was taken into US custody in the Central African Republic early this month after a long manhunt by the US and African forces since 2011.

Despite the strong opposition to the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Ugandan government has agreed Mr. Ongwen to be tried at The Hague.

Mr. Ongwen is said to be the deputy to LRA commander Joseph Kony who is still at large.

According to ICC, Ongwen has to undergo medical checkup and will remain in detention till the first date for his court appearance.

The UN Security Council and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon have issued statements welcoming Mr Ongwen's transfer.

Mr Ban called it "a step forward in efforts to bring justice to the thousands of victims of LRA violence".

The LRA has abducted thousands of children for fighting and sex slavery.

Both Mr Ongwen and warlord Joseph Kony are wanted by the ICC for crimes against humanity.

By Musalia Wycliffe

Source: BBC News