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The Disturbing Story of Africa's Icon of Evil: Joseph Kony and the Lord's Resistance Army

Rick Nelson

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Idi Amin: The Story of Africa's Icon of Evil

by Mark Leopold

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) is a Ugandan rebel group led by Joseph Kony. The LRA has been accused of committing numerous human rights violations, including murder, rape, and abduction. Kony has been indicted by the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Origins of the LRA

The LRA was founded in 1987 by Joseph Kony, a former altar boy who claimed to have had visions of the Virgin Mary. Kony's goal was to establish a theocratic state in Uganda based on the Ten Commandments. The LRA quickly gained a following among young people in northern Uganda, who were disillusioned with the government and the ongoing civil war.

The LRA's early operations were characterized by extreme violence and brutality. The group abducted children and forced them to become soldiers or sex slaves. The LRA also killed and mutilated civilians, and burned down villages.

Kony's Ideology

Kony's ideology is a bizarre mix of Christianity, traditional African beliefs, and anti-government propaganda. He claims to be a prophet sent by God to lead Uganda to salvation. Kony also believes that the government is controlled by evil spirits, and that the LRA is fighting a holy war against them.

Kony's ideology has been used to justify the LRA's violence and brutality. The group's child soldiers are often forced to kill their own parents or siblings, and are subjected to horrific torture.

The LRA's Reign of Terror

The LRA's reign of terror has lasted for over 30 years. The group has abducted over 30,000 children, and killed over 100,000 people. The LRA has also displaced over 2 million people from their homes.

The LRA's activities have had a devastating impact on northern Uganda. The region has been depopulated and the economy has been destroyed. The people of northern Uganda live in constant fear of being attacked by the LRA.

The International Response

The international community has been slow to respond to the LRA's atrocities. The United States and other Western countries have provided military and financial assistance to the Ugandan government, but the LRA has been able to continue its operations with impunity.

In 2011, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Kony on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, Kony has not been apprehended, and the LRA continues to operate in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Central African Republic.

The Future of the LRA

The future of the LRA is uncertain. The group has been weakened by military pressure and defections, but it remains a threat to the people of northern Uganda and the region.

The international community must continue to support the Ugandan government and the ICC in their efforts to bring Kony to justice and end the LRA's reign of terror.

Idi Amin: The Story of Africa's Icon of Evil

by Mark Leopold

4.3 out of 5