By Tolit Ivan & Agency
27 former combatants who returned from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in the Central African Republic in 2023 on Thursday underwent a traditional cleansing ceremony at Ker Kwaro Acholi, the Acholi Cultural Institution.
The returners were made to step on an egg, walked over the pobo branch, and layibi in the delicate act of carrying the weight of forgiveness, healing, and return.
Among them, were at least 8 children born in captivity and 15 women. They are part of 141 former LRA fighters who returned to Gulu in December 2023.
The Acholi believe that if one stays at home daily, their spirit lives harmoniously with other living things surrounding them.
However, when they are away, their spirit mingles with bad spirits and strange creatures, so they require a cleansing ceremony.
Rwot David Onen Acana explained that the egg used in the cleansing ritual is alive, pure, mouthless, and innocent, meaning it does not judge or stigmatise.
The stick for opening the granary symbolises feeding and motherhood.
The pobo- an indigenous tree that has very slimy sap- was used as soap by the Acholi before the conventional soap became known to them.
Its use during cleansing is symbolic of the removal of any dirt, impurities, or bad omen one might have encountered while away from home. Maj. Doctor Acaye, who led the team of returnees, expressed joy about returning home and thanked the chiefs for working hard to ensure their return.
