A combined force of the Ugandan People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) commandos, South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), and the army of Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday launched attacks on three camps belonging to the notorious Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the Central African Republic.
Sources privy to the operation said the strikes took place east of Sam Ouandja and resulted in the destruction of the camps and the capture of a lot of equipment.
The LRA, led by Joseph Kony, has been responsible for widespread human rights abuses, including massacres, abductions, and forced conscription of child soldiers.
According to the source who preferred anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the press, the operation dealt a major blow to the LRA’s operational capabilities and a significant step towards the total defeat of the LRA and Kony.
UPDF spokesperson Brig Gen Felix Kulayigye confirmed the ongoing operation to Radio Tamazuj and revealed that the raid led to the capture of significant equipment and emphasized that the mission was part of a broader strategy to dismantle Kony’s network.
“The operation was successful; the base was overrun and we captured equipment,” he stated. “The operation continues and we will keep monitoring the LRA to prevent them from reorganizing.”
While the details of the operation remain scanty, sources suggest that the commandos employed advanced tactics and technology to catch the LRA off guard.
This recent operation is a key part of a broader regional effort to end Kony’s reign of terror, which has spanned over three decades.
According to Deputy UPDF spokesperson, Col. Deo Akiiki, the commandos successfully infiltrated and attacked multiple LRA strongholds in the dense forests of CAR, inflicting significant damage on the group’s infrastructure.
“UPDF, in conjunction with South Sudan People’s Defense Forces and CAR security forces, launched an operation against three camps of LRA remnants in CAR, east of Sam Ouandja. The three camps were destroyed, and equipment was captured,” Akiiki said.
UPDF officials have stated that the assault has weakened the LRA’s ability to regroup and launch attacks, further isolating Kony, who remains one of the International Criminal Court’s most wanted men.
“Our commandos executed the mission with precision, and we believe this will further degrade the LRA’s capabilities,” Colonel Akiiki confirmed the operation’s success, adding, “It is wise for them to surrender to authorities for proper processing and rehabilitation, as we have done with other remnants because there is no shortcut.”
Contacted for comment, SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang neither confirmed nor denied the involvement of South Sudanese forces. He indicated that he was consulting with Lt. Gen. Santino Deng Wol, the SSPDF Chief of Staff, regarding the details of the operation.
The raid comes shortly after the International Criminal Court (ICC) closed its investigation into crimes allegedly committed by the LRA. Kony, a fugitive with a notorious reputation, faces 12 counts of crimes against humanity and 21 counts of war crimes related to attacks in northern Uganda during 2003 and 2004. The charges include murder, enslavement, sexual enslavement, rape, and the forced enlistment of children, among other serious offenses.
Despite the significant blow dealt to the LRA, experts caution that Kony’s capture may still take time. His knowledge of the terrain and ability to exploit regional instability has allowed him to evade capture for years.
However, the UPDF’s relentless pursuit, coupled with international efforts, continues to narrow its options. The latest attack, which destroyed his three camps in CAR, further diminished his refuge.
“These LRA remnants still taking refuge in CAR are advised to surrender to authorities, or else they are not safe anywhere on this continent,” Akiiki warned.
The recent attack comes as Kony’s former lieutenant, Thomas Kwoyelo, faces charges at the International Criminal Court.
Last week, Radio Tamazuj reported about the heavy presence of UPDF units in Western Bahr el Ghazal State’s Raja County.