Awareness campaign on the surrender of ADF combatants in Uganda: a message of hope for peace
In the heart of the Mwalika valley and the Rwenzori massif, in the territory of Beni in Uganda, an awareness campaign on the surrender of combatants of the democratic and allied forces (ADF) was launched by the pooling of FARDC-UPDF forces and the American expert organization “Bridgeway”. This initiative aims to provide an opportunity for ADF rebels to surrender and be treated in accordance with international law.
The announcement of this campaign was made by Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay, spokesperson for joint operations. He stressed the importance of respecting the rules of war, even in the presence of obvious military superiority. The campaign consists of dropping messages addressed to ADF fighters and their dependents hidden in the forest, urging them to abandon the armed struggle and surrender to law enforcement and defense forces.
The objective of this awareness campaign is twofold. On the one hand, it is a matter of offering a peaceful way out to ADF fighters, giving them the opportunity to renounce violence and reintegrate into society. On the other hand, it also allows ADF addicts, who live in hiding, to surrender to authorities safely.
Lieutenant-Colonel Mak Hazukay made a strong appeal to the local population, urging them to welcome those who surrender and to avoid any form of mob justice. It is important to favor legal justice to ensure fair treatment for all those who will choose surrender.
This awareness campaign marks a positive step in efforts to pacify the region of Beni, which has been the scene of violence caused by ADF fighters for many years. It bears witness to the will of the armed forces and international partners to put an end to insecurity and to promote reconciliation and reconstruction in this battered region.
The surrender of ADF combatants is an essential step towards achieving lasting peace in Uganda. This paves the way for economic and social development opportunities for communities affected by the conflict. By offering an alternative to violence, this awareness campaign sends a message of hope, reminding us that reconciliation and reconstruction are possible even after years of conflict.
It remains to be hoped that this awareness campaign will meet with great success and that many ADF fighters will choose to lay down their arms to embrace a path of peace and reintegration. This would mark a significant step forward in building a better future for all people in the Beni region.