The International Court of Justice has today awarded the Democratic Republic of Congo damages for the warfare, looting and destruction of which the Uganda People’s Defence Force did between 1998 and 2003. This was done on behest of the State House and the high ranking officials of the National Resistance Movement (NRM). Many who is living lavish in Kampala and earned fortunes of the war. They are now footing the bill on the state and the taxpayers who has pay for their looting of the DRC.
The ICJ have really hit a major blow the Government of Uganda and the armed conspirators of Kampala. As they are now held accountable for the conflict and has to pay cost or damages to the DRC. As there is evidence and proof of the looting of in the Ituri province in this period. It also shows how it was killing and adding other sufferings to the region as well.
Therefore, the NRM and UPDF have far from a clean slate. The judgement is proving that the sins of the past is starting to haunt the current regime. As their record is delivered. Now, it isn’t going after the henchmen, but now targeting the whole state. This means everyone involved and the whole government have to answer for this. Which shows the ramification of the army commanders, the NRA elites and everyone else should answer for this. Since it is now targeted on every single soul of the Republic. This should be on the heads, the generals and everyone who used the warfare for personal gains, which we know is people associated with President and even some relatives. Therefore, Museveni and allies should pay-up and cough up the funds. Though we know the bill will eventually be paid by others, as it is deemed the state tab and not the persons in question who did the deeds.
Just take a look:
“The total amount of compensation awarded to the DRC is US$325,000,000. This global sum includes US$225,000,000 for damage to persons, US$40,000,000 for damage to property, and US$60,000,000 for damage related to natural resources. The Court states that the total sum is to be paid in annual instalments of US$65,000,000, due on 1 September of each year, from 2022 to 2026. The Court decides that, should payment be delayed, post-judgment interest at an annual rate of 6 per cent on each instalment will accrue on any overdue amount from the day which follows the day on which the instalment was due. The Court declares itself satisfied that the total sum awarded, and the terms of payment, remain within the capacity of Uganda to pay. Therefore, the Court finds that it need not consider the question whether, in determining the amount of compensation, account should be taken of the financial burden imposed on the responsible State, given its economic condition (see above). The Court notes that the reparation awarded to the DRC for damage to persons and to property reflects the harm suffered by individuals and communities as a result of Uganda’s breach of its international obligations. In this regard, the Court takes full cognizance of, and welcomes, the undertaking given by the Agent of the DRC during the oral proceedings regarding the fund that has been established by the Government of the DRC, according to which the compensation to be paid by Uganda will be fairly and effectively distributed to victims of the harm, under the supervision of organs whose members include representatives of victims and civil society and whose operation is supported by international experts. In distributing the sums awarded, the fund is encouraged to consider also the possibility of adopting measures for the benefit of the affected communities as a whole” (International Court of Justice – ‘Armed Activities on the Territory of the Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo v. Uganda)’ 09.02.2022).
This here is a signal and it sends a message. Yes, this isn’t directly punishing or charging the ones culpable or involved in the conflict. No, this is charging the whole republic and adding a huge blow to the finances of the Government of Uganda. The elites of Kampala who earned fortunes on the war should feel the blow and the wind in their direction. As this is stating the illegal war and what it did was wrong, which was a reason for this damage or costs. The 325 million US Dollars in damages cannot be taken under the rug.
Yes, we know the GoU is building some roads inside the DRC, but that will clearly not clear the slate or the tab of the state. Secondly, the Ugandan government is now in debt to Kinshasa and it has to be responsible. If the state doesn’t follow the court orders and such. The DRC and ICJ will challenge it yet again. This is really telling and the victims of the DRC is now vindicated. As it is proof and proper evidence of the war-crimes committed by Ugandan counterparts. Peace.
MinBane 