Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord's Resistance Army, has declared that he wants to rule Uganda according to The Ten Commandments. However, while the commandments dictate "you shall not murder," Kony and his followers murder countless innocent civilians and abduct thousands of children. Girls become sex slaves while boys become killing machines. Kony also claims to be fighting for the Acholi people, although they are the ones suffering the most as a cause of the rebel movement. Kony has never clearly articulated what he is fighting for, only that he believes firmly in the Ten Commandments. Meanwhile, he uproots families, destroys the idea of childhood, and kills without mercy. His cousin, Alice Lakwena, was the original catalyst for the LRA, as she led the Holy Spirit Movement. Lakwena passed away in Kenya a month ago, however Kony continues the violence she began in the 80's. The disconnect between Kony's belief in the Ten Commandments and his actions could not be greater, yet the violence continues today. He has agreed to come to the table to discuss peace, and we can only hope that these talks will result in an effective ceasefire and bring peace to a region that has known violence and despair for far too long.
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