Opinion Article on Committee Session #3

The Question of Joseph Kony’s Disappearance: What Would DISEC Member States Do Next?

by Farras Rizqy Hafizh

Joseph Rao Kony, the leader of Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), a dangerous rebel group operating in Central Africa, has gone missing on February 27, 2021. Kony and the LRA group were last seen in the deep forests of the Central African Republic.

Several traces of Kony’s disappearance have been found in his basecamp, which could prove to be crucial in tracking Kony’s location and the organizations who might support the LRA’s operations. Armaments have been found in the LRA’s base, later discovered to be imported from Russia and China.

Kony’s disappearance coincided with a session of the UN Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), discussing efforts to combat the existence of the LRA. Discussions have revolved around the potential methods that can be used, including the use of negotiation and military advancements.

Responding to Kony’s disappearance, the People’s Republic of China proposed for the use of one particular negotiation method to capture Kony. In China’s plan, it is expected that LRA negotiators or even Joseph Kony himself will come to the negotiation table. Then somewhat bizarrely, China suggested implant tracking devices, which then would be used to track, locate, and therefore capture Joseph Kony.

In my years as a journalist in the United Nations, I have never seen a proposal so bizarre that it was met with near-universal condemnation by all member states. Not only it is terribly unethical, but it would also be extremely naïve to assume that the LRA would just come into the discussion table without their own precautions.

“We suggest that China conduct that sort of discussion somewhere else, as the UN is certainly not the place to discuss them,” the delegate of Canada stated. This sentiment was shared with many other delegates, even by those who support negotiation efforts.

Several DISEC member states including France and Ghana have taken the position of non-negotiation from the beginning with the LRA. “Negotiating with terrorists is like talking to a rock,” stated the delegate of Ghana. They argued that in the past negotiation efforts have yet to bear fruit. Furthermore, France stated that they would still conduct alternative peaceful actions instead.

Kony’s disappearance could prove to be a game-changer in DISEC’s efforts to combat LRA. Proposals to establish negotiations with the LRA have effectively stalled in their disappearance. Member states need to look for other ways to try and curb the LRA’s activities, as they remain a real threat to peace and stability in the region.