The International Criminal Court (ICC) says is working closely with their partners to arrest Joseph Kony. The ICC wants a fugitive warlord and leader of LRA to stand trial for atrocities in Northern Uganda.
Leonie Von Braun, a trial lawyer on Joseph Kony's case said on November 28, 2025, urging victims not to lose hope, adding that the ICC remains committed to securing Kony's arrest despite years of frustration.
"We are working closely with our partners to have him arrested,'' ''but until that time, the next steps will not happen." She said while assuring the international community and victims that they should not give up hope.
Von Braun, however did not disclose details about their partners in the search. She cited sensitivity and security concerns as reason for this decision, saying it's risky to share this type of information publicly.
Her comments followed a significant development at the ICC. The pre-trial chamber III confirmed all the 39 charges against Kony. This is historic because it marks the first time charges were confirmed against a suspect in absentia.
Dahirou Santa, an ICC advisor called the decision historic where he emphasized its importance in ICC history regarding absent suspects.
The fugitives warlord has evaded capture for decades due to his movement across certain territories. These areas are not party to the Rome Statute, complicating cooperation for his arrest.
"The ICC doesn't have a standby military force,'' "we rely on partners for assistance in capturing fugitive," "Kony is believed to be hiding in the jungles of the Central African Republic."- Von Braun stated.
The confirmation charges is a major milestone but does not allow for trial yet. ''This phase before the judges is done,'' ''If Kony is arrested and handed over, they can move forward with a full trial.''- She noted.
She highlighted that this confirmation hearing ensures no delays once he is arrested. The judges found substantial grounds linking Joseph Kony to 39 charges from July 1, 2002 to December, 31, 2025.
These include crimes against humanity like murder, rape and torture, as well as war crimes such as attacks on civilians and child conscription. Kony allegedly directed systematic attacks on schools and camps for displaced persons.
Over two decades, Lord Resistance Army insurgency caused over 100,000 death and displaced turn 1.5 million people in Northern Uganda.
