Just after 5pm yesterday [5/25/10], President Obama signed the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act into law, and released a personal statement recognizing the “hundreds of thousands of Americans who have mobilized in response to this unique crisis of conscience.” In doing so he became the first U.S. President to publicly pledge that ending LRA violence and recovery for affected families across central Africa would be lasting priorities.
In a rare move of recognition for the nationwide movement that made this moment happen, the President invited our team and several of our partners to join him in the Oval Office for a ceremony as he signed the bill.
Together, we have just reached a historic summit. As we soak it in, we also recognize that a tough climb remains ahead. Joseph Kony and the LRA are still at large, and vulnerable communities across central Africa remain under attack. Overcoming decades of international neglect toward this crisis will take more than a single meeting — even with the President — or one piece of legislation alone.
But yesterday’s accomplishment provides concrete hope that change is possible. We now have an unprecedented chance to ensure President Obama uses this mandate to lead an international effort truly capable of ending LRA violence once and for all.
–From Resolve Uganda (https://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2241/shop/custom.jsp?donate_page_KEY=6249)