U.S. Ambassador to Uganda Jerry Lanier hosted the U.S. Chiefs of Mission from the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Central African Republic, and the Republic of South Sudan for a two-day conference on U.S. support to the regional effort to counter the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

According to press release, issued by the U.S. Mission in Uganda, the conference was attended by senior officials from Washington and AFRICOM and included consultations with senior Ugandan officials.

“The event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to plan and coordinate U.S. support across the region, as it relates to security partnerships, civilian protection, humanitarian assistance, and encouraging defections and reintegration of former fighters,” the press release read in part.