{{African troops in Central African Republic have suspended the hunt for the fugitive warlord Joseph Kony because the new government there is not cooperating with the mission, Uganda’s top military official said Wednesday.}}
Operations against Kony were put on hold until the mission’s status is clarified by the African Union, under whose mandate the forces are deployed in the expansive central African country where rebels deposed a president and took the capital, Bangui, more than a week ago, said Ugandan army chief Gen. Aronda Nyakairima.
“We put a halt to operations until we consult,” Nyakairima said. “We’re still there and we are going nowhere until we have consulted. We’re officially there under the African Union.”
About 3,000 African troops, the bulk from Uganda, are currently deployed against Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army in Central African Republic, where a former rebel leader named Michel Djotodia has since appointed himself president and announced a new government.
The African Union forces are supported by about 100 U.S. military advisers.
Nyakairima said Ugandan troops would stay in Central African Republic until the AU clarifies their status.
The AU has suspended Central African Republic’s membership and imposed travel restrictions on the country’s self-appointed leaders.
Kony, who over the years has taken advantage of weak governments and porous borders to regroup and recruit fighters, would get a lifeline if those deployed to catch or kill him are forced to leave Central African Republic.
{wirestory}
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