By Steven Enatu
NATIONAL
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed all 39 charges against Joseph Kony, the founder and leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in northern Uganda between 2002 and 2005.
This means that the judges are satisfied that Kony has a case to answer. All charges have been confirmed, but a trial will not take place in Kony’s absence.
The decision was made on 6 November 2025 by Pre-Trial Chamber III, composed of Judges Althea Violet Alexis-Windsor, Iulia Antoanella Motoc, and Haykel Ben Mahfoudh. The judges found strong evidence that Kony is responsible for serious crimes, including murder, torture, rape, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, enslavement, and the use of children in armed conflict.
The court ruled that Kony should be tried before a Trial Chamber. However, under ICC rules, a trial cannot begin until Kony is physically present in court — and he remains at large.
According to the ICC, the LRA, under Kony’s command, carried out widespread and systematic attacks against civilians in the Acholi, Lango, and Teso regions of northern Uganda. Civilians suspected of supporting the Ugandan government were targeted, and many women and children were abducted, abused, and forced into the rebel group.
Kony faces 29 charges as an indirect co-perpetrator for ordering and directing LRA attacks, and 10 more charges as a direct perpetrator against two victims.
The Defence’s request to suspend the case was rejected. The court said neither the Defence nor the Prosecutor can appeal the decision until Kony surrenders and is officially notified.
The ICC first issued an arrest warrant for Joseph Kony in 2005, but he has evaded capture ever since. Despite the confirmation of charges, his trial can only take place once he is in custody.
