Frank Nyakairu
22 April 2008
Kampala — Former captives of the Lords Resistance Army have said the rebels are increasing their numbers through abductions and military training in DR Congo's Garamba forest.
Other intelligence reports estimate that from a spree of abductions in DR Congo, Sudan and Central African Republic, the LRA has kidnapped over 500 youths in the last three months, who are currently being subjected to military training.
A UN report obtained by Daily Monitor includes accounts of abductees who have, at separate times spoken of mass abductions and re-organisation in the LRA ranks.
Two former abductees escaped from their captivity on the night of April 1, 2008 and arrived at Dungu (DRC) on April 7.
They reported that the "LRA strength is 1,200 with almost half being new abductees. They lived in two main bases in Garamba Park. They were taken to the two camps where they were to undergo military training which had just started before they escaped on day four."
The report also quotes a Congolese administrator it did not name, who said; "A local of Duru (90 km South of Garamba) was kidnapped at Bitima (120km South of Garamba) by LRA fighters and taken to a base in Garamba Park forest where he joined others who were undergoing military drills.
" Other people who were reportedly attending the same training included Congolese, Sudanese and Central Africans (CAR) residents. "He also reported that the training was being conducted in another language," the report said.
The reports said the LRA moved "to and from CAR in two groups of about 300- 500 people each together with families and that they all arrived back at their Garamba bases on March, 19 and 31, 2008 respectively where they rejoined rebels who had been left behind. It was estimated that the number of captives equals the number of LRA fighters."
Following the abductions, the International Criminal Court has expressed concern and called for their release. The statement issued by the ICC Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo added: "These are worrying developments and provide additional urgency to executing the warrants of arrest."
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