Kisangani, 23 March 2011 – An African Union delegation comprising some 20 members arrived in Kisangani, the capital of Province Orientale, on 22 March. The joint expert mission is trying to put in place a strategy to better coordinate future operations against the Ugandan rebel movement, the Lord Resistance Army (LRA) active in the sub-region. The mission was undertaken within the context of implementing the conclusions of the inter-ministerial meeting in Bangui, Central African Republic, in October last year,

While in Kisangani, MONUSCO officials briefed the delegation extensively on the movements of the LRA rebel fighters in the Haut and Bas Uele territories. These are the areas where civilians continue to suffer in the hands of this armed group. The delegation then met with the provincial governor, several Members of Parliament, and the commander of the ninth Military Region of the Armed Forces of the DRC.

The Group of experts arrived in Dungu (Haut Uele) the following day where they discussions with elements of the FARDC, the Ugandan Armed Forces (UPDF), and with members of the Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC). The continued their consultations with the local political and administrative authorities and members of the civil society.

In its recommendations to the Group of experts, MONUSCO urged the AU for greater information sharing among the countries where the LRA is active, and proposed a common regional strategy to better respond, both politically and militarily, to the challenges posed by the LRA. MONUSCO also proposed a common policy which would grant amnesty to LRA elements who voluntarily join the Disarmament, Demobilization, Repatriation, Reintegration and Resettlement (DDRRR) program.