The African Union has launched today in Juba the Regional Cooperation Initiative to hunt down the Ugandan rebel chief Joseph Kony.

South Sudan, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Central Africa Republic will contribute a total of 5,000 well prepared combat forces for the taskforce to search for Kony and Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels.

Vice President Reik Machar Teny said in his remarks that Kony should blame himself for refusing to sign the peace agreement offered by Ugandan President Youwei Museveni in 2007.

He said South Sudan is ready to join the region to get rid of Kony’s atrocities, adding that he is confident the four countries will stop the LRA’s menace with the support from the international community.

AU Special Envoy Ambassador Francisco Madeira urged the four affected countries of South Sudan, Uganda, DR Congo and Central African Republic to maintain their political will to continue coordinating efforts against the LRA.

He said the Regional Cooperation Initiative will seek diplomatic support from neighbouring countries to implement the AU-led counter LRA operation.

Ambassador Madeira called on the international partners to support the affected countries to improve regional cooperation and better coordination amongst them on the combined action to hunt down LRA members.

He appealed for voluntary contributions from AU member states to support the various components of the Regional Cooperation Initiative especially in terms of finance and logistics.

Ambassador Madeira told journalists after the launching that 100 American soldiers will play a very important role by supporting the initiative with equipment and intelligence.

The Regional Cooperation Initiative will be based in Yambio with operation units in Dungu, DR Congo and Obo, Central Africa Republic.

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