Congo Joins UN Operation against Ugandan Rebels

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has joined a UN military operation against Uganda’s rebel Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Reports say Congo has already sent 900 troops to its north-eastern territory, where LRA leader Joseph Kony is suspected to have set up base, with another 900 soldiers being prepared to join the operation. The LRA has in recent months been accused of attacking and abducting civilians in Congo, South Sudan, and in the Central African Republic. It is unclear what effect the operation will have on Kony’s recent indications that he intends to sign a peace deal he rejected in April despite having reached agreement after two years of negotiations with the Ugandan government. [PE]