Screenshot from the Independent Catholic News
---
A video about Joseph Kony, described as 'the tyrant of child soldiers' has had more than 70 million viewers on YouTube, and a local church leader in Uganda said the video has the merit of bringing the war in Uganda to the attention of the world, reports Independent Catholic News.
The documentary, called 'Kony 2012' and created by the American NGO 'Invisible Children', shows children as young as five recruited by Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).
Mgr Juan Jos Aguirre, Bishop of Bangassou, said: "I counted every tear of these people and I encourage them not to lose hope. I appeal especially to the many families who have seen their children kidnapped and indoctrinated by force and daughters turned into sex slaves".
"For many years the Church of Uganda emphasizes this phenomenon, but nothing has happened. Now that the monster has woken up, may God make it disappear forever."
Kony had a church education and was once an altar boy. He has developed a philosophy partly based on his interpretation of the Bible. In 25 years, his LRA has used over 20,000 children kidnapped from tribes and villages, and exploited boys and girls for prostitution. The International Court of Justice in The Hague wants Joseph Kony for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Some observers have questioned how useful the video is. One BBC commentator said: "The danger is, that people will think they can solve the problem by clicking on a website. In fact this problem is very deeply entrenched. One would hope this leads to more political involvement and action."
FULL STORY
Ugandan bishop praises video about Joseph Kony's child soldiers (Independent Catholic News)
PHOTO CREDIT
Screenshot from the Independent Catholic News