• The ICC opens its first in absentia hearing against Ugandan fugitive Joseph Kony.
• Kony faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to the Lord's Resistance Army.
• The legal proceedings mark a potential test case for future ICC actions against high-profile fugitives.
• Survivors and victims in Uganda express support for the legal actions being taken.
• Victim testimonies highlight the long-lasting impact of Kony's atrocities on communities.

On September 9, 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) commenced its first-ever hearing in absentia against fugitive Ugandan rebel leader Joseph Kony, which allows the court to pursue charges despite his absence. Kony faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder and child abduction, stemming from his leadership of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) that terrorized northern Uganda and neighboring areas for decades according to Al Jazeera and Africanews.

The ICC prosecutor detailed the savage actions attributed to Kony, describing his orchestrating of severe human rights violations, including the abduction and use of child soldiers. These actions have resulted in widespread condemnation and lasting trauma among survivors. The hearing is not a trial but a significant step where judges will evaluate the presented evidence and decide on the sufficiency of the charges against Kony according to BBC and Reuters.

Legal experts perceive these proceedings as a potential framework for future ICC cases against other high-profile fugitives, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The move reflects the ICC’s commitment to ensuring accountability even in the absence of a suspect in custody. Michael Scharf, an international law professor, underlined that “everything that happens at the ICC is precedent for the next case,” highlighting the court's evolving jurisprudence according to Reuters and Africanews.

Amid the proceedings, Ugandans who were directly affected by Kony's reign of terror expressed hope for justice. Survivors like Everlyn Ayo detailed horrific experiences from their childhood, reinforcing the emotional weight of the case, as this confirmation of charges hearing acknowledges their suffering. Okello Herbert, a lawyer from northern Uganda, indicated that the proceedings signify the long-awaited justice and recognition that victims deserve according to Africanews and Al Jazeera.