Presentation by Megu Jeneti Lakor
on behalf of Acholi Elders

I have been delegated to present to you the views of elders and our people from the grassroots.

The main message that that I was given, was to come and ask why this conflict which has claimed so many lives is still continuing. Why have the efforts to resolve it not borne any fruit?

There was a KM meeting in London. This was followed by a brief respite from the suffering. But later the conflict resumed. What is going on? I want some answers to this question to relate to those who sent me here.

We asked the President of Uganda to give us the opportunity to talk to our son. Later, an Amnesty law was passed.

We want this KM2000 to be about speaking the truth. For example we know that there is a conflict between the Governments of Uganda and the Sudan. The two governments must resolve their differences. Recently the two governments signed a peace agreement. Why is it that even after this agreement we are still experiencing killings, abductions and other forms of suffering? They must tell us the truth today.

We wish that Kony himself were here so that we can ask him some questions.

We also know that the guns are coming from Sudan. So please, Sudan, tell us the truth as to why you are continuing to support this. Why is the conflict still continuing?

I do not have much more to say except to express and reflect the deep anguish and desperation of our people.

We want the war to end. Stop arming the LRA. To Sudan, I say, if you have a conflict with the government of Uganda, keep the people of Acholi out of it. Don’t make them to pay for your differences.

We have suffered enough. The war must end. An Amnesty law has been passed. We have forgiven our children who have wronged us. Please give us the opportunity to talk to Kony and our abducted children in the Sudan. This is all I have to say.

Thank you.