Paper short abstract:

This contribution explores the current local dynamics of the LRA in south-east CAR (Haut Mbomou Province) and north-east DRC (Haut Uele District). It stresses the security and humanitarian situation in these areas and looks at the local responses put in place to address some of the security issues.

Paper long abstract:

This contribution explores the current local dynamics of the LRA in south-east CAR (Haut Mbomou Province) and north-east DRC (Haut Uele District). Rule-of-thumbs estimates report that there are close to 500 LRA forces in the two countries. Despite a noticed decrease in terms of volume and intensity of incidents since 2011, records of violent events attributed to the LRA continue to be compiled by a multiplicity of sources. If it remains difficult to assess the reliability of that information in such remote areas, the continuation of LRA presence in CAR and DRC had at series of effects: 1) it has triggered displacement and concentration into a few rural hubs; 2) it has been an impediment to work on agricultural plantations; 3) it has sustained a situation of entrenched fear at the local level, where local residents end up attributing all violent events to the LRA. In several cases, follow up verification with military forces have not confirmed the origin of the incident. Yet, it is evident that the perception of insecurity in the area is strong and continues to fuel the LRA myth. The contribution will describe the local dynamics and the responses put in place to address some of the security issues (local systems of 'early warning', self-defense groups, extent of military deployment…). It will then critically suggest ways forward in two contexts where the LRA concern clearly lags behind other priorities. After all, neither in CAR or in DRC, LRA has never posed any threat to national sovereignty.