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Uganda Sentences LRA’s Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 Years for War Crimes.

The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), under the elusive Joseph Kony, inflicted terror on Uganda for more than 20 years, displacing nearly two million people and leaving communities deeply scarred. While Kwoyelo was not among Kony’s top commanders, he held significant authority to enforce the LRA’s violent policies throughout northern Uganda. His sentencing is a milestone for justice, though significant challenges remain.

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Thomas Kwoyelo’s case, one of the first war crimes trials to be conducted under Ugandan law rather than through international tribunals, reflects Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its judicial processes. Uganda’s Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, highlighted this commitment, stating, "By handling this case within our own judicial system, we are proving that Uganda has the capacity and the resolve to address even the gravest of crimes committed on our soil."

Ugandan court sentences ex-LRA commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years for war crimes, marking a historic step toward justice for victims of the Lord’s Resistance Army’s atrocities.

By Charles Wachira

On October 25, 2024, former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo was sentenced to 40 years in prison by a Ugandan court, bringing a pivotal moment in the country’s pursuit of justice for victims of the LRA’s brutal insurgency. 

The judgment, handed down by Uganda’s International Crimes Division (ICD), holds Kwoyelo accountable for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of abduction and torture that he orchestrated during the LRA’s violent campaigns in northern Uganda.

Historic Court Ruling

Uganda’s Justice Michael Elubu, who presided over the sentencing, remarked, The gravity of the crimes committed by Kwoyelo warrants a sentence that reflects not only justice for the victims but a strong message against impunity.”

 He continued, “This judgment stands as a reminder that atrocities committed in our land will not go unanswered.” This ruling has sent a powerful signal to both perpetrators and victims that justice remains within reach, even years after the crimes were committed.

Kwoyelo’s trial, marked by procedural delays and complex legal battles, focused on a range of crimes committed in the early 2000s in the northern region of Uganda. Prosecutors detailed his involvement in orchestrating abductions, often of young children, many of whom were forced into combat roles or servitude.

One survivor, identified only as Grace, who lost family members during Kwoyelo’s attacks, expressed mixed emotions about the sentencing: “I am relieved that justice has been served. But no sentence can undo what we lost, the lives and the pain.”

Implications for Uganda’s Legal System

Kwoyelo’s case, one of the first war crimes trials to be conducted under Ugandan law rather than through international tribunals, reflects Uganda’s commitment to strengthening its judicial processes. 

Uganda’s Attorney General, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, highlighted this commitment, stating, “By handling this case within our own judicial system, we are proving that Uganda has the capacity and the resolve to address even the gravest of crimes committed on our soil.”

Human rights advocates have praised Uganda’s efforts but emphasized the need for comprehensive support for survivors. 

Sarah Kihika, director of a Ugandan human rights NGO, noted, “While Kwoyelo’s sentencing is a significant step toward accountability, the state must also prioritize reparations and psychological support for survivors, who continue to bear the scars of these conflicts.”

Broader Significance for Peace and Reconciliation

The LRA, led by the elusive Joseph Kony, waged terror in Uganda for over two decades, displacing nearly two million people and subjecting communities to severe trauma. 

Kwoyelo, though not one of Kony’s top lieutenants, was a commander with enough power to implement the LRA’s brutal policies across northern Uganda. His sentencing symbolizes justice, though challenges remain.

Uganda’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao, commented on the wider impact: “For a nation that has endured the devastation of war, this sentence is not only about Kwoyelo but about upholding the rule of law and signaling a new chapter for peace in northern Uganda.”

Despite the historic ruling, the challenges of reintegration and support for survivors continue. While many hope the sentencing will prevent future atrocities, there is also a need to balance justice with reintegration for lower-ranking ex-LRA members. 

Dr. James Okot, a peace and conflict studies professor, noted, “Justice must walk hand in hand with reconciliation. Northern Uganda needs healing, and for that to happen, both accountability and compassion are essential.”

Kwoyelo’s sentencing ultimately underscores Uganda’s progress in pursuing justice and reconciliation, despite the complexities of post-conflict healing. It is a victory for accountability, but as the survivors remind us, there is still much work to be done in rebuilding trust, offering reparations, and ensuring a peaceful future for the region.

Keywords: Uganda:LRA: Thomas Kwoyelo: War crimes: Sentencing

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Kenyan Man Convicted in U.S. for 9/11-Style Terror Plot

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Cholo Abdi Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

In pre-trial documents, prosecutors stated that Abdullah planned to sit passively during the proceedings, accepting the outcome without challenge, as he viewed the court as an illegitimate system.

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Mr Cholo Abdi Abdullah (Right in a red T-shirt)moments after being arrested at Rasca Hotel in Iba, Philippines.

: Kenyan man convicted of plotting 9/11-style attack for al-Shabab. Federal jury finds him guilty on all counts; sentencing set for March 2025.

A Kenyan man was convicted on November 4 of plotting a 9/11-style attack on a U.S. building on behalf of the terrorist organisation al-Shabab.

A federal jury in Manhattan, US, found Cholo Abdi Abdullah, 34, guilty on all six counts he faced for conspiring to hijack an aircraft and slam it into a building, according to court records.

He’s due to be sentenced next March and faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison.

Abdullah represented himself during the trial, which opened last week. He declined to give an opening statement and did not actively participate in questioning witnesses.

In court papers filed ahead of the trial, prosecutors said Abdullah intended to “merely sit passively during the trial, not oppose the prosecution and whatever the outcome, he would accept the outcome because he does not believe that this is a legitimate system.”

Lawyers appointed to assist Abdullah in his self-defence didn’t respond to an email seeking comment Monday.

Federal prosecutors, who rested their case Thursday, said Abdullah plotted the attack for four years, undergoing extensive training in explosives and how to operate in secret and avoid detection

He then moved to the Philippines in 2017 where he began training as a commercial pilot.

Abdullah was almost finished with his two-year pilot training when he was arrested in 2019 on local charges.

He was transferred the following year to U.S. law enforcement authorities, who charged him with terrorism-related crimes.

Prosecutors said Abdullah also researched how to breach a cockpit door and information “about the tallest building in a major U.S. city” before he was caught.

The State Department in 2008 designated al-Shabab, which means “the youth” in Arabic, as a foreign terrorist organisation. The militant group is an al-Qaida affiliate that has fought to establish an Islamic state in Somalia based on Shariah law.

Keywords: Kenyan man convicted:9/11-style attack plot:al-Shabab terrorism: U.S. federal jury verdict: Terrorism charges

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Ethiopia-Somaliland Deal: Maritime Access and Recognition

Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland could have significant ramifications. Regional powers such as Djibouti, Eritrea, and various Arab states with interests in the Red Sea corridor are approaching this development with caution. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, strongly opposes this move, fearing that Ethiopia’s support may inspire other secessionist movements and undermine its territorial integrity​

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Somaliland president, Muse Bihi Abdi sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopian Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed Ali, on Monday Janaury 1 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

: Ethiopia signs a historic deal with Somaliland for naval access, becoming the first nation to recognise it as an independent state, stirring regional tensions.

A groundbreaking agreement signed on January 1, 2024, between Somaliland—a self-declared state within Somalia—and Ethiopia could allow Ethiopia access to naval and commercial port facilities on the Red Sea.

 In return, Ethiopia would officially recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, making it the first country globally to do so. 

This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi in Addis Ababa, is anticipated to reshape regional dynamics and has already sparked geopolitical tensions across the Horn of Africa, an area marked by conflict and complex alliances.

For Ethiopia, which is landlocked, the deal offers significant strategic advantages, providing direct access to the Red Sea for the first time since Eritrea’s independence in 1993.

 This access would enhance Ethiopia’s trade routes and bolster its security capabilities in a critical maritime region, reducing its heavy reliance on Djibouti’s port, currently its primary outlet to the sea.

This MoU also marks a significant diplomatic milestone. If it proceeds, Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland’s sovereignty would be the first of its kind from any country in Africa or worldwide, potentially setting a precedent that could inspire other countries. 

The official recognition would likely bolster Somaliland’s long-standing bid for international legitimacy; since declaring independence in 1991, it has sought recognition without success, remaining unrecognized under international law.

However, the implications of Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland could be far-reaching. Other regional powers, including Djibouti, Eritrea, and several Arab states with vested interests in the Red Sea corridor, view this development with caution. 

Somalia, which claims Somaliland as part of its territory, is particularly opposed, fearing that Ethiopia’s endorsement could embolden other secessionist movements and threaten Somalia’s territorial integrity.

 Additionally, regional players worry that this agreement could destabilize the Horn of Africa by challenging existing borders and emboldening separatist sentiments in other areas.

As Ethiopia navigates its next steps in this high-stakes diplomatic and strategic initiative, the deal’s impact on Somalia’s territorial unity, the stability of the Red Sea region, and Ethiopia’s role in regional geopolitics remains to be seen. The international community is watching closely as this landmark agreement unfolds, potentially reshaping alliances and fueling new tensions in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.

Keywords: Ethiopia Somaliland deal: Maritime access: Somaliland recognition: Horn of Africa tensions: Geopolitical implications

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Rwandan YouTuber Rashid Hakuzimana Sentenced to 7 Years

Hakuzimana’s case underscores the persistent sensitivities surrounding the Rwandan genocide, which claimed the lives of around 800,000 people—mostly Tutsis and moderate Hutus—within a mere 100 days at the hands of Hutu extremists. Although the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), primarily composed of Tutsis, brought the genocide to an end, it has faced accusations from human rights organizations of carrying out retaliatory killings of Hutus during its rise to power—claims that the RPF-led government staunchly denies.

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In one of his final videos, Rashid Hakuzimana controversially proposed abolishing the annual genocide commemoration, stating, "Hutus wronged the Tutsi, yes, but if you have forgiven someone, you don’t need to remind them every year that ‘you killed my people.’ That is not forgiveness; ‘Kwibuka’ should be scrapped." His remarks underscore the sensitive nature of discussing Rwanda’s past, a legacy that still shapes the nation’s political landscape today.

Rashid Hakuzimana, a Rwandan YouTuber, faces seven years in prison for genocide denial and inciting division, highlighting tensions in post-genocide Rwanda.

Rashid Hakuzimana, a prominent Rwandan YouTuber, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for violating the country’s laws on genocide denial.

 The 56-year-old, who identifies as a Hutu, was arrested in 2021 and has consistently denied all charges against him.

 These charges include inciting ethnic division and spreading false information by claiming that anyone who challenges President Paul Kagame in elections faces imprisonment.

Hakuzimana’s case highlights the ongoing sensitivities surrounding the Rwandan genocide, during which approximately 800,000 people, predominantly Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed in just 100 days by Hutu extremists. 

The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), mainly comprised of Tutsis, ended the genocide but has faced accusations from human rights groups of retaliatory killings of Hutus as they took power—allegations the RPF-led government vehemently denies.

During his trial, the judge cited Hakuzimana’s YouTube remarks as incendiary, particularly his suggestion that genocide orphans received less care than children of senior government officials. 

Such statements, the judge argued, contributed to fueling divisions within Rwandan society. “Your comments are not just opinions; they are divisive and harmful,” the judge stated.

Hakuzimana, who represented himself in court, refused to mount a defense, insisting he be addressed as a politician rather than a YouTuber.

 He expressed frustration over his three years in jail, stating, “I’ve spent enough time behind bars for merely expressing my thoughts on my platform.”

Following the ruling, Hakuzimana will serve four years in prison, as the three years he has already spent in custody will be counted towards his sentence. He was also fined $700 (£500). It remains uncertain if he will appeal the decision.

Human rights organizations have criticized Kagame’s government for allegedly using genocide denial laws to suppress dissent, a claim the government denies.

 In a notable instance from last year, another YouTuber, Yvonne Idamange, had her 15-year sentence extended by two years for inciting violence and spreading false information.

In court, Hakuzimana argued that his criticism of the government on his popular YouTube channel, Rashid TV, was the true reason for his arrest. “My videos were not about denying the genocide; they were about holding the government accountable,” he explained.

Under Rwandan law, it is a criminal offense to deny, downplay, or attempt to justify the genocide. Hakuzimana, who frequently appeared on Ishema TV and his own channel, had previously been warned by the Rwandan Investigation Bureau (RIB) to moderate his rhetoric but did not comply.

 In one of his final videos, he controversially suggested scrapping the annual commemoration of the genocide, stating, “Hutus wronged the Tutsi, yes, but if you have forgiven someone, you don’t need to remind them every year that ‘you killed my people.’ That is not forgiveness; ‘Kwibuka’ should be scrapped off.”

Hakuzimana’s case underscores the complex and delicate nature of discussing Rwanda’s past, a legacy that continues to shape the nation’s political landscape today.

Keywords:Rashid Hakuzimana:Rwandan YouTuber:genocide denial:Paul Kagame:ethnic division

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