Book Review

I have read 2 books recently about the LRA, the Wizard of the Nile by Matthew Green was the first. Matthew Green is a British journalist who used to work for Reuters in East Africa. The book focuses on his search for an interview with the elusive Joseph Kony. He does eventually manage to find Kony, across the border in the Congolese bush, along with other journalists and a group of individuals trying to to restart negotiations for peace with the LRA. The book contains some interesting information on the background of the LRA conflict and several testimonies to the conflict, but a lot of time is wasted by Green who describles in detail his many visits between Sudan, Northern Uganda and Congo trying to locate Joesph Kony.

The second book is trial justice by Tim Allen. This is an older book, published in 2006 but is a fascinating account of the investigation into the LRA by the International Criminal Court in the Hague, and their subsequent issuing of arrest warrants for Kony and the other LRA leaders. These are many of the reasons why Kony went into hiding in Garamba National Park in NE Congo, and following this, his retaliation against the Congolese people and their continued quest for survival. There is also a fascinating look at the story of the LRA and Joesph Kony, their political roots in Northern Uganda and their truly bizarre spiritual roots. A great read.

The LRA ~ wreaking havoc in DR Congo

The following is from Mark's blog. There have been some major reports come to the media (finally!) this week. Such a tragedy happening even now.

Human Rights Watch have finally published their report on the LRA attack in Tapili in December 2009. Tapili is located about 6okm South West of Dungu, towards Isiro. In the space of 3 days, the LRA killed over 300 people. According to reports we have heard locally, the LRA may have killed over 400 civilians in this attack.

The Ugandan and Congolese armies are continuing to claim they are winning the war against the LRA. However, the LRA, if anything seem to be re-arming and replensihing their forces. In Nianagara last week, its believed 102 local people were killed in another LRA attack.

A strategy is surely needed, initiated by UN (MONUC) and local
governments to combat the ongoing threat of the LRA. The attaqck in Tapili indicates just how active they still are.

Links to articles detailing the attacks in Tapili can be found below;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8587305.stm
http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/03/29/trail-death-0

Also, see http://www.enoughproject.org/publications/lra-army-abuses-congo?page=show.

Pray with me for peace & justice in DR Congo!

The LRA Tradgedy

Human Rights Watch have finally published their report on the LRA attack in Tapili in December 2009. Tapili is located about 6okm South West of Dungu, towards Isiro. In the space of 3 days, the LRA killed over 300 people. According to reports we have heard locally, the LRA may have killed over 400 civilians in this attack.

The Ugandan and Congolese armies are continuing to claim they are winning the war against the LRA. However, the LRA, if anything seem to be re-arming and replensihing their forces. In Nianagara last week, its believed 102 local people were killed in another LRA attack.

A strategy is surely needed, initiated by UN (MONUC) and local
governments to combat the ongoing threat of the LRA. The attaqck in Tapili indicates just how active they still are.

Links to articles detailing the attacks in Tapili can be found below;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8587305.stm
http://www.hrw.org/en/reports/2010/03/29/trail-death-0

Wedding of the Year

Well i think so anyway...and i love this. Check it out, the invite to mine and Jennie`s wedding, it even has a link to our website. http://weddings.theknot.com/pwp/pwp2/view/MemberPage.aspx?coupleId=9628986563927617

Amazing pictures!

Hey all, check out the amazing pictures from our friend Charlie!

http://charlieshoemaker.blogspot.com/2010/03/come-lets-dance.html

In contact with the outside world again

Wow, firstly i must apologise its been a good 2 months since i updated this blog. I have mostly been in Dungu for that time, and I often have just not had the time or the means to update this blog. For the last 5 weeks i have been the only expat for Medair in Dungu. Its not been easy, at times its been pretty tough.

LRA activity in and around Dungu is still pretty intense. Even In the last few days, there has been an LRA attack in central Dungu. As you head North of Dungu towards Doruma and the borders with Sudan and CAR, there are several groups of LRA soldiers continuing to wreak havoc. As many as 102 peole were reportedly killed in a recent attack. As for their strategy and what the LRA are doing, well who knows. I`ve added the link below so you can read a bit more.
http://www.enoughproject.org/blogs/ledio-cakaj

The base here was very simple when i arrived, so there has been a big focus on improving things logistically. We have installed a water system, electircy and of course the VSAT for access to the world wide web. Soon we will install a VHF base and continue to improve the quality of the house. I`ve negotiated the rent with the Catholic church, which has been much more challenging than you`d think. They tried to double our rent!!!Pretty disgraceful as we are to assist and serve the local population.
Its been challenging, lots of ups and downs for sure.

I`ve missed Jennie a lot. She has been in Kampala since February. I saw her for 5 days in early Feb, and will return to Kampala next week for more holiday i cannot wait.
`
The following verse fom Isiah comes to mind `but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Ive been depending God throughout dasily life here, there are strong foundations for the future.

*Snaps*

Alex, Mike, Simon & I - good lookin' crew, don't you think?

My friend Rose & her son Jovan - so good to reconnect with them!

Christine - she cooks and cleans for us, but even more than that she's a friend!

Sula, on the far left, works in our compound and has requested that I come to visit his family for months now. This past week we went for lunch & had a lovely time!

Sophia seems to be a natural photographer! Look at that pose...

My beautiful friend, Linda & my little friend, Stesha

Oh, Diana!! She's a riot!

Baby Jonah!