The International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Tuesday that it will hold a hearing to confirm charges against Joseph Kony, the elusive leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), in absentia.
The hearing will be held at a later date, yet to be determined.
Kony, 63, has been indicted by the ICC since 2005 on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
His LRA is notorious for its brutal tactics, including mass killings, abductions, and sexual violence.
The group has terrorized regions of Uganda, South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo for decades.
The ICC’s decision to proceed with the hearing in absentia underscores the challenges in apprehending Kony, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
Despite numerous international efforts, the elusive warlord has managed to evade capture.
The ICC stated that all reasonable steps have been taken to locate and inform Kony of the charges against him.
However, the court emphasized that a trial can only proceed if the accused is present.
The upcoming hearing is a significant step in the pursuit of justice for the victims of the LRA.
While Kony’s absence may hinder the legal process, it does not diminish the importance of holding him accountable for his alleged crimes.