Acholi Elders Ask Ongwen Witnesses Not To Be Intimidated
By Rita Kemigisa
Representatives of the Acholi communities who attending the opening of the trial of Dominic Ongwen in The Hague, The Netherlands, are calling on the international community and the government of Uganda to remain focused on the wider question of transitional justice.
The team was led by His Highness Rwot David Onen Acana the Paramount Chief of Acholi and Archbishop John Baptist Odama.
In a press statement issued to the media, the leaders have urged those who wish to testify to come forth and do so without any fear of reprisals.
They also argue that beyond Dominic Ongwen’s specific case, the Acholi people still have to contend with the broader question of justice and accountability arising from the conflict.
Ongwen is before the International Criminal Court for trial following an indictment for crimes against humanity and war crimes he allegedly committed as a senior commander of the LRA.
After conclusion of the opening statements, Ongwen’s trial will now resume on January 16th 2017, when the prosecution will begin to present its evidence and call its witnesses before the judges.
