Joseph Kony has been spreading terror across East and central Africa for 27 years; nine years ago, the International Criminal Court indicted him for his crimes, making him one of the most wanted men on the planet. Since then, the LRA has been able to hide and survive in some of the remotest parts of central Africa, despite being the target of a multi-national manhunt. How, you ask? With help from key allies.

The LRA receives support from other rebels in the Central African Republic (CAR)

Kony is known for taking advantage of the instability of some regions in central Africa to establish safe havens. In July 2014, it was reported that the Séléka, a rebel group that overthrew the CAR government in March 2013, had been in contact with the LRA.

Seleka soldiers race through Bangui as gunfire and mortar rounds erupt in the capital December 5th, 2013 (photo via CNN).

Seleka soldiers race through Bangui as gunfire and mortar rounds erupt in the capital December 5th, 2013 (photo via CNN).

After a clash with the Séléka this summer, the Ugandan army (UPDF) declared that the Central African rebel group was “in bed” with the LRA and therefore an enemy of counter-LRA efforts. The UN formally confirmed this alliance in August 2014.

The head of the Séléka and former president of the country Michel Djotodia claimed he was “in the process of negotiating” Kony’s surrender, but also revealed his government had given provisions, including food, to the LRA.

As mentioned previously, the LRA is currently in survival mode; thus, the support of the Séléka is a main factor in their continuing exitence. They offer the LRA assistance in exchange for using their captives for labour in mining areas. They have also allegedly been linked to trading in illegally sourced diamonds and ivory. Guillaume Cailleaux, former country coordinator for CAR at Invisible Children, added that the “Séléka occasionally provides ammunition, medicine [and] food” to the LRA.

The ambiguous relationship between the Séléka and the LRA complicates counter-LRA efforts, as support from other rebel groups makes it easier for the rebels to remain under the radar and regain strength.

Kony receives safe haven in Kafia Kingi, South Sudan

We know that Kony is now hiding out in Kafia Kingi, an area near the CAR border that is controlled by the Sudanese government. Sudan has been suspected of giving support to the LRA in the past to further its interests in what today is South Sudan.

Songo Market, a town along the border of Kafia Kingi and South Darfur, where the LRA is suspected to obtain supplies.

Songo Market, a town along the border of Kafia Kingi and South Darfur, where the LRA is suspected to obtain supplies.

Because it is an area largely out of the reach of African Union-led forces (assisted by U.S. advisors), Kafia Kingi is a place to which Kony has been able to return time and time again to take refuge, and it has served as an ideal launching pad for his fighters to attack civilians in neighboring countries.

Next week, we’ll discuss why Kony started abducting children to fill the ranks of the LRA. In the meantime,  check out this report from The Resolve on Kony’s location and his whereabouts for the past nine years.