23/FEB/2008

After more than 20 years bloodshed, the CEASE FIRE has been signed today in Juba, capital city of Southern Sudan, to put an end to the terrible conflict between the Ugandan Government and the Lord’s Resistance Army, that has caused over 100,000 casualties and forced approximately 2 million people to flee to the refugee camps in Northern Uganda.

 This is one more decisive step on the way to a general peace accord which now seems to be close at hand.

Since July 14 2006, the date on which the Juba Peace Talks began, the Community of Sant’Egidio has been present at negotiations, collaborating with the GoSS (Government of Southern Sudan) in facilitating the peace process for Northern Uganda.

During the latest stage of the talks, which began about one month ago, the signing of Protocol III on justice and reconciliation has been achieved. EU and US observers have also been present over the past few weeks, as well as those from Mozambique, South Africa, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania.

 The cease fire agreement includes the following points among others:

-          the re-grouping of the LRA/Movement in the Ri-kwangba area, on the border between RDC and Southern Sudan

-          a buffer zone 15 km wide

-          monitoring of the zone by Southern Sudanese SPLA troops

-          disarmament using non-involved troops

-          Ceasefire Monitoring Team made up of mediators and of representatives of both sides along with African observers.

For further information:

Satellite connection to the Sant’Egidio delegation at the Juba Peace Talks:

Vittorio Scelzo +88.216.51021411; +256.477.172973;

Mario Giro +39.335.6791729.

Documentation

Third protocol to the peace process for Northern Uganda, 29/6/2007

Document of revision to the accord for an end to hostilities, 1/11/2006

Accord for an end to hostilities 26/8/2006 (EN)

Background

Community of Sant'Egidio and Peace

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