The International Criminal Court and the Peace Process in Northern Uganda

Abstract

The Juba Peace Talks that started in July 2006 in Southern Sudan seem to be one of the best chances to bring an end to the 20-year-long raging conflict in the region of Northern Uganda. Known for its unbelievable atrocities, the war has by now caused the displacement of more than 1.7 million people and the abduction of 30,000 children. With the investigation starting in July 2004, this conflict marks at the same time the first case of the young International Criminal Court (ICC), which has by now issued arrest warrants against five top rebel leaders. This involvement under its legal obligation is bringing the Court in a very difficult situation, having aroused revolted criticism of peace negotiators on the ground and a broad and sometimes whole-heartedly driven discussion about "Peace" and "Justice" in the current context of the overall unstable region in central Africa.