Thomas Kwoyelo, a Lord’s Resistance Army, LRA rebel accused of massacring civilians in northern Uganda, has requested that his case be transferred to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In connection with attacks by the LRA rebel between 1993 and 2005, Thomas Kwoyelo faces dozens of allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
He surrendered to the Ugandan army in 2009 and has expressed dissatisfaction with the trial’s delayed progress, which began four years ago and has been impeded by logistical difficulties and the coronavirus pandemic.
He ascended to the rank of colonel in the LRA and is the first LRA commander to stand trial in Uganda.
As the second part of his trial began before the International Crimes Division of the High Court in Kampala, he submitted the plea to go to the ICC. Expert witness testimony will most likely be heard.
Mr. Kwoyelo also wants to be released on medical grounds, but his lawyers have yet to file an application.
Last year, the International Criminal Court convicted another LRA commander, Dominic Ongwen, to 25 years in prison for war crimes involving murder and the recruitment of child soldiers.
Among the five senior LRA rebels charged by the ICC more than a decade ago, only Ongwen and LRA leader Joseph Kony, who is currently on the run, are still alive.
