ICC Confirms War Crimes Charges Against Joseph Kony

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has confirmed **39 charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity** against **Joseph Kony**, the leader of the **Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA)**. This decision, made in absentia by Pre-Trial Chamber III on **September 9-10, 2025**, paves the way for Kony’s trial, which is expected to address serious allegations dating from **July 1, 2002, to December 31, 2005**.

The ICC found substantial grounds to believe that Kony directly perpetrated **10 charges** related to crimes against humanity, including enslavement, rape, torture, and persecution based on age and gender. The court also identified Kony as an indirect co-perpetrator for **29 additional charges** related to crimes committed by LRA members under his command. These crimes occurred during attacks on schools and other civilian facilities amidst the conflict in Uganda.

The allegations against Kony encompass severe violations of international law. Specific charges include murder, torture, forced marriage, and the recruitment of children under **15 years old** into armed conflict. The ICC highlighted instances of sexual slavery, pillaging, and the destruction of property as part of Kony’s command over the LRA.

Kony has been a fugitive since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him in **2005**, making him one of the court’s most wanted individuals. His leadership of the LRA has been marked by extreme violence and brutality, resulting in significant humanitarian crises in Uganda. The group’s insurgency against President **Yoweri Museveni**’s government has persisted for over **38 years**, leading to countless civilian deaths and displacements.

The confirmation of charges procedure aims to establish whether there is sufficient evidence for a trial, protecting suspects from unfounded accusations while ensuring accountability for serious crimes. While a confirmation of charges hearing was initially scheduled for **October 15, 2024**, it was postponed upon request from both the prosecution and the defense, ultimately culminating in the recent hearing.

Despite Kony’s absence during the trial proceedings, the ICC’s framework requires his presence for the actual trial to commence. As the case against him progresses, Kony’s status as a fugitive remains a significant hurdle in securing justice for the victims of the LRA’s atrocities.

The ICC’s findings underscore the ongoing importance of international law in dealing with war crimes and crimes against humanity, emphasizing the court’s role in addressing historical injustices and upholding accountability on a global scale.