Kony Case: ICC Confirms Charges of War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity
On 6 November 2025, Pre-Trial Chamber III of the International Criminal Court (ICC) confirmed all 39 charges brought by the Prosecutor in the case The Prosecutor v. Joseph Kony. The Chamber committed Joseph Kony to trial before a Trial Chamber.
However, the trial requires Mr. Kony’s physical presence before the ICC, as trials cannot proceed in the absence of the accused according to the ICC Rome Statute, the Court’s founding treaty.
Judges and Decision
- Judge Althea Violet Alexis-Windsor (Presiding Judge)
- Judge Iulia Antoanella Motoc
- Judge Haykel Ben Mahfoudh
The judges determined there are substantial grounds to believe that Joseph Kony is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Context of the Charges
The alleged crimes occurred between 1 July 2002 and 31 December 2005 in northern Uganda, specifically in the Acholi, Lango, and Teso regions.
During that period, a prolonged non-international armed conflict was ongoing involving:
- The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), led by Joseph Kony
- The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and allied local armed groups
Background on Joseph Kony
Joseph Kony, a Ugandan national, is the founder and leader of the LRA.
“There are substantial grounds to believe that Mr Kony is responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity, allegedly committed between at least 1 July 2002 and 31 December 2005 in northern Uganda.”
The ICC's decision is a significant step forward, but Mr. Kony remains at large, and the trial can only proceed with his presence.
Author’s summary: The ICC has confirmed 39 charges against Joseph Kony for war crimes in Uganda but requires his presence for trial, while he remains at large.