Uganda and the United States have suspended operations to hunt down warlord Joseph Kony in the Central African Republic.

Col Felix Kulayige

The Chief Political Commissar of the Ugandan Army said the order came from the African Union, Chinese news channel CCTV has reported.

That’s because the rebel forces known as Seleka, who now hold power, are not recognized.

The decision taken by Uganda and the US to suspend their search operations for warlord Joseph Kony comes following orders from the African Union.

The AU said the Seleka rebels that ousted President Francios Bozize are not recognized by the pact.

Political Commissar of the Ugandan Army Felix Kuliagye has confirmed the withdrawal. “The African Union was operating in Central Africa under the Bozize government, and since Seleka is not recognized by the African Union we had to suspend operations,” Kulaigye said.

Last week Uganda made it clear that it would not remove its troops from the Central African Republic and warned the rebel group that it would strike back if they launched an attack on the Ugandan Army.

Uganda has over 2000 troops in the Central African Republic under a joint mandate with the African Union alongside the US. Chief Political Commissar Kulaigye said they are now waiting on instructions from the AU.

“We have gathered our troops in active defense awaiting further orders from our superiors,” said Col. Felix Kulayigye. Kulayigye has made it clear that Uganda is not removing itself from the Central African Republic, but is at present simply suspending its operations.

He has, however, admitted that this could give the LRA group -who are accused of widespread human rights violations – more time and opportunity to grow stronger and carry out further crimes in the Central African Republic.

Though he has promised that Joseph Kony will not be allowed to enter Uganda. And so far, Uganda has arrested Kony Commander Ceasar Acellam and killed his bodyguard Binani.

Uganda is sending a stern warning to warlord Joseph Kony that it will follow his trails even if he entered the DRC or South Sudan…and until the African Union gives a go ahead, operations in the Central African Republic will be put on hold.