Ugandan rebels and the government in Kampala have agreed to set up a special court to deal with alleged war crimes – one of the obstacles to a final peace deal.
A final peace deal could now be signed “soon”, a government spokesman said, BBC online reports Tuesday.
The Lords Resistance Army rebels have refused to disarm, while three of their leaders are wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The government has given the LRA until 28 February to end the war which has uprooted some two million people. The LRA is known for its brutality
The government will establish a unit to carry out investigations and prosecutions, giving particular attention to violations against women and children. The unit aims to target the big fish, focusing on individuals who planned or carried out widespread, systematic or serious attacks.
A special division of the Ugandan High Court would be set up to deal with serious rebel crimes, while traditional justice would be used for lesser offences.
LRA deputy negotiator James Obita confirmed the deal.
While the ICC indictments remain, these plans to set up a special court within Uganda will make it difficult for the international body to pursue the rebels for prosecution in The Hague.
