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To Stop a Warlord: My Story of Justice, Grace, and the Fight for Peace
One woman’s inspiring true story of an unlikely alliance to stop the atrocities of a warlord, proving that there is no limit to what we can do, even in the face of unspeakable injustice and impossible odds
“This compelling and inspiring book beautifully moves each of us to take action to help the most vulnerable among us.”—Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
Late one night in the summer of 2010, Shannon Sedgwick Davis, a lawyer, human rights advocate, and Texas mom to two young boys, first met the Ugandan general to discuss an unconventional plan to stop Joseph Kony, a murderous warlord who’d terrorized communities in four countries across Central and East Africa.
For twenty-five years, Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army had killed over a hundred thousand people, displaced millions, and abducted tens of thousands of children, forcing them to become child soldiers. After meeting with survivors and community leaders, aid workers and lawmakers, it was clear that the current international systems were failing to protect the most vulnerable. Guided by the strength of her beliefs and convictions, Sedgwick Davis knew she had to help other parents to have the same right she had—to go to sleep each night knowing that their children were safe.
But Sedgwick Davis had no roadmap for how to stop a violent armed group. She would soon step far outside the bounds of traditional philanthropy and activism and partner her human rights organization, the Bridgeway Foundation, with a South African private military contractor and a specialized unit within the Ugandan army. The journey would bring her to question everything she had previously believed about her role as a humanitarian, about the meaning of justice, and about the very nature of good and evil.
In To Stop a Warlord, Shannon Sedgwick Davis tells the story, for the first time, of the unprecedented collaboration she helped build with the aim of finally ending Joseph Kony’s war—and the unforgettable journey on an unexpected path to peace. A powerful memoir that reads like a thriller, this is a story that asks us just how hard we would fight for what we believe in.
100 percent of the author’s net proceeds from this book will go to organizations seeking justice and protection for civilians in conflict zones.
“This is an extraordinary memoir by an extraordinary leader—it’s impossible to read without feeling moved to do more to help those with less.”—Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take
“This compelling and inspiring book beautifully moves each of us to take action to help the most vulnerable among us.”—Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu
Late one night in the summer of 2010, Shannon Sedgwick Davis, a lawyer, human rights advocate, and Texas mom to two young boys, first met the Ugandan general to discuss an unconventional plan to stop Joseph Kony, a murderous warlord who’d terrorized communities in four countries across Central and East Africa.
For twenty-five years, Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army had killed over a hundred thousand people, displaced millions, and abducted tens of thousands of children, forcing them to become child soldiers. After meeting with survivors and community leaders, aid workers and lawmakers, it was clear that the current international systems were failing to protect the most vulnerable. Guided by the strength of her beliefs and convictions, Sedgwick Davis knew she had to help other parents to have the same right she had—to go to sleep each night knowing that their children were safe.
But Sedgwick Davis had no roadmap for how to stop a violent armed group. She would soon step far outside the bounds of traditional philanthropy and activism and partner her human rights organization, the Bridgeway Foundation, with a South African private military contractor and a specialized unit within the Ugandan army. The journey would bring her to question everything she had previously believed about her role as a humanitarian, about the meaning of justice, and about the very nature of good and evil.
In To Stop a Warlord, Shannon Sedgwick Davis tells the story, for the first time, of the unprecedented collaboration she helped build with the aim of finally ending Joseph Kony’s war—and the unforgettable journey on an unexpected path to peace. A powerful memoir that reads like a thriller, this is a story that asks us just how hard we would fight for what we believe in.
100 percent of the author’s net proceeds from this book will go to organizations seeking justice and protection for civilians in conflict zones.
“This is an extraordinary memoir by an extraordinary leader—it’s impossible to read without feeling moved to do more to help those with less.”—Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2019
59 people are currently reading
3053 people want to read
About the author
Shannon Sedgwick Davis
1 book17 followersShannon Sedgwick Davis is the CEO of Bridgeway Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to ending and preventing mass atrocities around the world. As an attorney, activist, and passionate advocate for social justice, Shannon has guided Bridgeway Foundation in pioneering solutions to these seemingly intractable issues.
Prior to joining Bridgeway Foundation in 2007, Shannon served as Vice President of Geneva Global, and was the Director of Public Affairs at the International Justice Mission (IJM). Shannon is an honors graduate of McMurry University and Baylor Law School. She sits on the board of several organizations, including The Elders, Humanity United, TOMS, and charity: water.
Prior to joining Bridgeway Foundation in 2007, Shannon served as Vice President of Geneva Global, and was the Director of Public Affairs at the International Justice Mission (IJM). Shannon is an honors graduate of McMurry University and Baylor Law School. She sits on the board of several organizations, including The Elders, Humanity United, TOMS, and charity: water.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
November 11, 2022
By far, one of the most powerful books I have read about a person, a group of people, and cross collaboration to significantly reduce evil in the world and change people's lives.
Shannon Sedgwick Davis, CEO of Bridgeway Foundation, an organization dedicated to stopping mass atrocities, focused on Joseph Kony and the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) that had killed over 100,000 people, displaced millions, and abducted and forced children to become soldiers. As a dedicated peacemaker and human rights activist, she came to the realization that she needed a military strategy to truly bring an end to Kony's reign of terror in Uganda.
Bridgeway's mission statement includes preventing oppression, genocide, and human rights abuses. Shannon believes in standing for something bigger than oneself, bigger than philanthropy, even bigger than a nation. She believes in the power of coming together to stand for justice, and the belief that we are all equal, regardless of where we live. We must use our freedom to enhance the freedom of others.
Shannon's laser-like focus on what needed to be done enabled her to partner with other NGOs, private military organizations, country military organizations, and wealthy and influential individuals who believe in freedom for all. She is an incredible force for good.
At great potential sacrifice, Shannon and her team spent time in the Ugandan bush with their soldiers to ensure successful execution of their strategy. In addition to fighting against ruthless killers, there were constant threats from snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, poisonous centipedes, crocodiles, hippos, safari ants, bees, malaria, and weather. Shannon's nickname became the Iron Lady from Texas.
Leaders, men and women, who are extremely passionate and committed are often judged by others that they are sacrificing time spent with their families. Shannon faced similar judgement when she attended church during the Christmas holidays. Shannon's perspective is that her wholehearted wish for her two sons is that they be whomever they want to be in the world that they were created to be. She feels that doing the work she has felt called to do is the best way for her to show up for her boys. "To model for them what it means to act on your passions, to be who you were made to be, and to show up where your heart feels strong." Kudos to Shannon for believing in this and stating it so eloquently. The role model we are for our children helps them determine their path on earth.
Shannon and her team were able to artfully and successfully help those who were held captive by the LRA, as well as those who decided to defect from the LRA, reacclimate back into their communities. It required tremendous acts of forgiveness and understanding.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book include:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: "We are caught in an escapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."
Elie Wiesel: "There are victories of the soul and spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win."
Highly recommend this book. It is fast paced and will take your breath away.
Shannon Sedgwick Davis, CEO of Bridgeway Foundation, an organization dedicated to stopping mass atrocities, focused on Joseph Kony and the LRA (Lord's Resistance Army) that had killed over 100,000 people, displaced millions, and abducted and forced children to become soldiers. As a dedicated peacemaker and human rights activist, she came to the realization that she needed a military strategy to truly bring an end to Kony's reign of terror in Uganda.
Bridgeway's mission statement includes preventing oppression, genocide, and human rights abuses. Shannon believes in standing for something bigger than oneself, bigger than philanthropy, even bigger than a nation. She believes in the power of coming together to stand for justice, and the belief that we are all equal, regardless of where we live. We must use our freedom to enhance the freedom of others.
Shannon's laser-like focus on what needed to be done enabled her to partner with other NGOs, private military organizations, country military organizations, and wealthy and influential individuals who believe in freedom for all. She is an incredible force for good.
At great potential sacrifice, Shannon and her team spent time in the Ugandan bush with their soldiers to ensure successful execution of their strategy. In addition to fighting against ruthless killers, there were constant threats from snakes, tarantulas, scorpions, poisonous centipedes, crocodiles, hippos, safari ants, bees, malaria, and weather. Shannon's nickname became the Iron Lady from Texas.
Leaders, men and women, who are extremely passionate and committed are often judged by others that they are sacrificing time spent with their families. Shannon faced similar judgement when she attended church during the Christmas holidays. Shannon's perspective is that her wholehearted wish for her two sons is that they be whomever they want to be in the world that they were created to be. She feels that doing the work she has felt called to do is the best way for her to show up for her boys. "To model for them what it means to act on your passions, to be who you were made to be, and to show up where your heart feels strong." Kudos to Shannon for believing in this and stating it so eloquently. The role model we are for our children helps them determine their path on earth.
Shannon and her team were able to artfully and successfully help those who were held captive by the LRA, as well as those who decided to defect from the LRA, reacclimate back into their communities. It required tremendous acts of forgiveness and understanding.
Some of my favorite quotes from the book include:
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: "We are caught in an escapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: "Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."
Elie Wiesel: "There are victories of the soul and spirit. Sometimes, even if you lose, you win."
Highly recommend this book. It is fast paced and will take your breath away.
June 18, 2019
This is not usually the kind of book I want to pick up for a weekend read. My book club chose this one, because a member has met the author.
I kept procrastinating on starting this book, because I didn't know if I could stomach the hard truths presented in the story.
After all my reluctance I started the audiobook and sometimes read along with the hardback. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened next. The hard truths were presented as facts rather than a ploy to twist my emotions. It also helped that I could tell that the point of telling these stories was to show why so many people needed to stop the LRA. The reader wouldn't have understood the high stakes of their operations if the hard truths had been glossed over.
I appreciated how the memoir explained HOW the author and others came to be in Uganda. I liked all the technical details of the mission. Reading the book made me feel like I was behind the scenes in a movie.
Sedwick Davis' story isn't the only story presented in the book. Readers are also introduced to David Ocitti's story of being captured by the LRA and his experience from an entirely different perspective. The two stories run along side each other throughout the book.
The entire book is incredible. If you are even remotely interested in how a Texan mom ends up meeting with Ugandan generals and leading a collaboration of armies, human rights organizations, and politicians then you should definitely read this book!
I kept procrastinating on starting this book, because I didn't know if I could stomach the hard truths presented in the story.
After all my reluctance I started the audiobook and sometimes read along with the hardback. Once I started the book I couldn't put it down. I had to know what happened next. The hard truths were presented as facts rather than a ploy to twist my emotions. It also helped that I could tell that the point of telling these stories was to show why so many people needed to stop the LRA. The reader wouldn't have understood the high stakes of their operations if the hard truths had been glossed over.
I appreciated how the memoir explained HOW the author and others came to be in Uganda. I liked all the technical details of the mission. Reading the book made me feel like I was behind the scenes in a movie.
Sedwick Davis' story isn't the only story presented in the book. Readers are also introduced to David Ocitti's story of being captured by the LRA and his experience from an entirely different perspective. The two stories run along side each other throughout the book.
The entire book is incredible. If you are even remotely interested in how a Texan mom ends up meeting with Ugandan generals and leading a collaboration of armies, human rights organizations, and politicians then you should definitely read this book!
July 8, 2019
The adversity we face is relative to the world we experience and the perceptions we have developed. Shannon’s book transported me to a world that I have not experienced; a world that I have had the luxury of ignoring exists. I am so grateful for people like her and those she writes about whom she co-labored with to stop atrocities by some on others.
This book left me heartbroken, convicted, inspired, dismayed and marveling at the history of events told.
Some takeaway lines that I am pondering on:
- “We must choose peace. It is the only way to walk forward without war.”
- In response to seeing the Ugandan Soldiers accepting those who they were fighting against upon their surrender “Ugandan soldiers were teaching me to see the world in shades other than right or wrong, to notice the fiber of humanity that bound all of us, on every side of the war.”
- “We’ve been trying to cut the head off the snake ...but maybe the ending the war is about cutting the snake off the head.”
- “That was the thing about history. You couldn’t undo it. You could only learn to coexist with it. And once in a while history checked up on you, as if to ask, ‘Hey, how is it going?’”
- “If the mission has taught me anything, it’s that we can’t eradicate the shadows. But we can hold our share of the night. For those of us whose lives have been largely protected from horrors, for those of us who been fortunate to grow up in peace instead of war, we have a responsibility to share in the efforts to end human suffering. To stand together, to live in service to others’ lives, to find our own way to make a difference.”
- “Once, he had longed to hold his captors accountable. To stand before the world and name the wrongs that the perpetrators had committed against him and countless others. But that wish had changed form.
This book left me heartbroken, convicted, inspired, dismayed and marveling at the history of events told.
Some takeaway lines that I am pondering on:
- “We must choose peace. It is the only way to walk forward without war.”
- In response to seeing the Ugandan Soldiers accepting those who they were fighting against upon their surrender “Ugandan soldiers were teaching me to see the world in shades other than right or wrong, to notice the fiber of humanity that bound all of us, on every side of the war.”
- “We’ve been trying to cut the head off the snake ...but maybe the ending the war is about cutting the snake off the head.”
- “That was the thing about history. You couldn’t undo it. You could only learn to coexist with it. And once in a while history checked up on you, as if to ask, ‘Hey, how is it going?’”
- “If the mission has taught me anything, it’s that we can’t eradicate the shadows. But we can hold our share of the night. For those of us whose lives have been largely protected from horrors, for those of us who been fortunate to grow up in peace instead of war, we have a responsibility to share in the efforts to end human suffering. To stand together, to live in service to others’ lives, to find our own way to make a difference.”
- “Once, he had longed to hold his captors accountable. To stand before the world and name the wrongs that the perpetrators had committed against him and countless others. But that wish had changed form.
March 14, 2020
Nonfiction. Extraordinary. Written by the most remarkable young San Antonio woman, the CEO of a non-profit, the Bridgeway Foundation, about the successful effort to defang the LRA, a Ugandan terrorist organization that massacred villages and captured woman and children, raping the women and converting the children into child soldiers. The Bridgeway Foundation partnered with the Ugandan military, the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S State Department and other private foundations to plan and fund the operation that took over six years. Embedded in the account are not only atrocities but forgiveness and reconciliation like we in the West have never seen. Bishop Tutu and Jimmy Carter highly recommend this book. Gripping, riveting and hopeful.
June 17, 2019
Incredible story. Easily one of the best books I’ve ever read.
May 6, 2024
This book was truly enlightening. Oftentimes, in acting through the Western mindset, we forget the brutal struggles of those everywhere else. Central Africa has been quite literally at the center of so much death and atrocity -- this was a candid recounting of the stories painted by that narrative. For anyone interested in foreign policy, or people simply looking to make grassroots change and humanitarian difference, would recommend.
January 5, 2025
I always wondered what happened with Joseph Kony. I would have never expected this. Great job to everyone involved and a non traditional way of private/public cooperation. Someone who just one day said, let's Stopp talking and let's actually go and Stopp him!
Want to read
April 18, 2019To Stop a Warlord is a story of both inspiring hope and profound sadness. The courage of one woman accomplished much in a very dangerous savage place where, honestly, I would never got
One voice speaking change. Imagine what all of our voices could do together. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
One voice speaking change. Imagine what all of our voices could do together. Thanks to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2019
4.5 stars. This is an incredible and heartbreaking story told from two perspectives. One is a boy who is kidnapped from his family by the LRA (Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army) and forced to fight and terrorize villages in Uganda. The other is told by the author, a human rights lawyer from San Antonio, Texas who, in her determination to stop Joseph Kony, helped to organize, train, and supply the Ugandan army through a human rights foundation (and the help of timely met philanthropists and politicians.) I loved the display of integrity, courage, and determination shown by both David and Shannon and those that worked with them. Truly they had strength beyond their own to do what they did. I appreciated that as the mission evolved their definition of what success looked like went beyond the initial goal. Truly they are accomplishing much.
"How did he do it? How did he bring joy in such deadly and devastating circumstances? How did he find happiness amid such staggering sadness? On one of our long drives I asked him about it and he said ‘sister Shannon, its not that I'm not sad its that I choose joy. Even when we're crying, especially when we're crying, we have to work to find joy in the world.’ Joy wasn't his effortless condition. Joy was his discipline."
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“If the mission has taught me anything its that we can’t eradicate the shadows, but we can hold our share of the night. For those of us whose lives have been largely protected from horrors, for those of us who have been fortunate enough to grow up in peace instead of war, we have a responsibility to share in the efforts to end human suffering…to stand together, to live in service to others lives, to find our own way to make a difference.”
“Peace is embracing our shared humanity.”
"How did he do it? How did he bring joy in such deadly and devastating circumstances? How did he find happiness amid such staggering sadness? On one of our long drives I asked him about it and he said ‘sister Shannon, its not that I'm not sad its that I choose joy. Even when we're crying, especially when we're crying, we have to work to find joy in the world.’ Joy wasn't his effortless condition. Joy was his discipline."
“Silence in the face of evil is itself evil. God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“If the mission has taught me anything its that we can’t eradicate the shadows, but we can hold our share of the night. For those of us whose lives have been largely protected from horrors, for those of us who have been fortunate enough to grow up in peace instead of war, we have a responsibility to share in the efforts to end human suffering…to stand together, to live in service to others lives, to find our own way to make a difference.”
“Peace is embracing our shared humanity.”
April 28, 2019
“To Stop a Warlord” is an incredible story about the journey one women takes to find justice for the child victims of war-torn Central and East Africa. While the story is truly one of grace, courage, and determination, at its foundation it is a story of hope and the author’s firm belief that she could and must make a difference in lives that had been brutalized in far away places. What makes this story different is that the author challenged the previous limits of what a non-governmental organization was willing to contribute to stop brutality and was willing to take risks others were not. Throughout the book, we are challenged to examine how foreign aid can be effective, how violence can be stopped and even more importantly what justice truly looks like. To Stop a Warlord is an inspiring story that is both thought-provoking and hopeful and one I can not recommend enough! I was honored to receive a free advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, Random House Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2019
Incredible, inspiring true story. I have the privilege of knowing the author in real life and am just so thrilled to see the story come out into the light. Shannon continually inspires me to keep my heart open to the pain and suffering in the world and to continually look for ways to work for the good of humanity even when it looks impossibly bleak. Parts of this story really challenged me to examine the issue of forgiveness and justice in the face of atrocities like the LRA have committed. David’s personal narrative woven throughout this book is such a poignant and honest peek into the complexities of violence, war, abduction, and peace building.
May 7, 2019
This profoundly moving story is laced with hope and fierce determination and a sprinkling of angels who helped Shannon do the impossible. Deeply personal at times, she includes not only the story itself but her struggles with being away from family and her need to rethink her views on evil and justice, making the reader in turn ask themselves the same questions. David Ocitti's narrative woven between brings the inhumanity of this many (Kony) to light in a way that nothing else could. A remarkable book which should be read by everyone. It shows us that, if we truly believe in something, we can join together to move mountains.
June 19, 2019
Easily one of the best books I have read, not just on humanitarian issues, but ever. The topic is absolutely horrific, but the work done to combat the atrocities was so inspiring. I often feel like I am not doing enough to help others and this book has really made me want to rethink how I can do better. (I don't see myself tracking terrorists through a jungle, but there has to be something I can do closer to home.) I know my friends who share my reading lists are already full of empathy and compassion; I hope that anyone else who picks up this book comes away with the same commitment to helping humanity that I have.
May 21, 2022
Phenomenal book! Shannon Davis has such a rich perspective on ownership in this world and how we should pursue passion. Although the writing is not written with great eloquence, the story speaks for itself.
Definitely given me a lot to think about what ownership looks like as someone in the United States. Although not a large part of the book, interested in learning more about the forgiveness rituals when LRA members returned home as well as the Ubuntu philosophies briefly mentioned.
Also admired Shannon Davis for her interesting perspective on faith after seeing such dark things occurring.
Definitely given me a lot to think about what ownership looks like as someone in the United States. Although not a large part of the book, interested in learning more about the forgiveness rituals when LRA members returned home as well as the Ubuntu philosophies briefly mentioned.
Also admired Shannon Davis for her interesting perspective on faith after seeing such dark things occurring.
October 29, 2019
Was a wonderful and inspiring read. No matter the horrible and terrible things happening in this world it is reassuring that there are truly heroes out there working hard to make a difference in communities and people's lives. This book is also a reminder that we should look at small wins as triumphs. These small changes add up over time to making the world a little better.
This is a book that I will definitely recommend family and friends to read. Something to help face what's really going on in the world and what you can do to make a difference.
This is a book that I will definitely recommend family and friends to read. Something to help face what's really going on in the world and what you can do to make a difference.
March 11, 2020
Very interesting and well written. I learned a lot about Central Africa and the terrible struggles for peace and safety in that region. The most meaningful parts for me were:
1) Learning how an influential woman balances her work and family obligations,
2) The deeply important role of faith, family, and forgiveness, and
3) How important private philanthropy, private charity, and volunteerism are to meeting exceptional challenges.
1) Learning how an influential woman balances her work and family obligations,
2) The deeply important role of faith, family, and forgiveness, and
3) How important private philanthropy, private charity, and volunteerism are to meeting exceptional challenges.
April 7, 2019
This was an amazing book and demonstrates how one person can truly make a difference. The courage it took for the author to help these children is unimaginable to me. I enjoyed reading this and have recommended it to friends.
May 20, 2025
This was a really good book. A couple of the chapters that detailed the LRA-led genocide throughout Uganda and beyond, were too difficult for me to read and I had to skip to the next chapter. However, the stories of human resilience in this book are absolutely remarkable.
May 8, 2019
A very sobering story of real life events that have radically and forever changed lives both here in the US and abroad. A book that shows the power of sacrifice, perseverance and faith!
July 22, 2023
A book about a white savior who advocated for Uganda in the ways MANY MANY MANY Ugandans did. We should be uplifting the people doing the ground level work and NOT the white, American view point.
October 31, 2025
A striking, original, moving, and poignant story from Shannon Sedgwick Davis, one of my new favorite sources of inspiration. She is the CEO of the Bridgeway Foundation, the non-profit arm of Bridgeway Capital Management that donates half of its profits to stop mass atrocities across the world.
The book details a covert, unprecedented project: forming a new branch of Ugandan Special Forces to hunt and capture Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army. Having never studied East Africa, I was horrified by the crimes committed by Kony and the LRA. The organization pillaged communities across the DRC and Uganda, abducting young men to serve in their violent ranks and imprisoning women as sex slaves. But over the course of 6 years, Sedgwick Davis collaborated with the Ugandan military, American Special Forces, and private donors to train a new military branch to stop the LRA. Thanks to their work, LRA killings dropped 90% from the start of their project to the time of publication.
Looking back on the book, I’ll never forget the stories of brutality and humanity that Sedgwick Davis included: of the children born in captivity who escaped to a world they’d never known; of the teenage girls impregnated by warlords, who risked their lives to save their children; and of David Ocitti, an LRA abductee who dedicated his life to help other escapees reassimilate after defecting. Reading these stories, I’m keenly aware of the privilege of safety and security and heartbroken by the terrifying realities faced by so many across the world. I’m inspired by Sedgwick Davis’s compulsion to do whatever she could to help, and compelled to find my own ways to help those less fortunate.
The book also raised fascinating and challenging questions for me, that I’ll be Googling in the next few days. For example:
- When does the United States assume responsibility for crimes against humanity when it has no geopolitical strategic interests? How have administrations differed in their global crisis response?
- LRA members followed Kony in part because he was a spiritual leader. And one of the key steps for LRA escapees to reassimilate to their communities were spiritual cleansing rituals. I wonder what religious systems exist in the region? How do they impact civilian life?
- Sedgwick Davis detailed the perils of African terrain, from bees, malaria, snakes, hippos, crocodiles, and safari ants to jamalgota seeds that can cause illness and death. I would love to learn more about the African ecosystem; how do humans coexist with these dangerous animals in remote areas of the region? What is it about the physical ecosystem that creates dangerous plants and animals like these?
- Sedgwick Davis explained the damaging political scars of British colonialism: in Uganda, Britain essentially invented a nation and ignored tribal sovereignty, forcing culturally distinct groups into one protectorate. They elevated and marginalized groups, stirring division that eventually birthed civil war and the LRA. I don’t know as much as I should about British colonialism in Africa, and would like to grapple with the realities and ramifications of that historical period.
- What are the domains of different global peacekeeping NGOs? How effective are they? (E.g. Human Rights Watch, UN, the ICC, the Elders)
- Is the death penalty ever justified? I was struck by Sedgwick Davis’s reflection that when the warlord and murderer Dominic Ongwen defected, he still showed signs of humanity by helping create defection messages. He was tried at The Hague; I want to read more about his trial, and think about the judicial fate a murderer like him should meet. The question of redemption and forgiveness is difficult in cases like these.
Highly recommend; I learned so much and won’t forget this book.
The book details a covert, unprecedented project: forming a new branch of Ugandan Special Forces to hunt and capture Joseph Kony, the leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army. Having never studied East Africa, I was horrified by the crimes committed by Kony and the LRA. The organization pillaged communities across the DRC and Uganda, abducting young men to serve in their violent ranks and imprisoning women as sex slaves. But over the course of 6 years, Sedgwick Davis collaborated with the Ugandan military, American Special Forces, and private donors to train a new military branch to stop the LRA. Thanks to their work, LRA killings dropped 90% from the start of their project to the time of publication.
Looking back on the book, I’ll never forget the stories of brutality and humanity that Sedgwick Davis included: of the children born in captivity who escaped to a world they’d never known; of the teenage girls impregnated by warlords, who risked their lives to save their children; and of David Ocitti, an LRA abductee who dedicated his life to help other escapees reassimilate after defecting. Reading these stories, I’m keenly aware of the privilege of safety and security and heartbroken by the terrifying realities faced by so many across the world. I’m inspired by Sedgwick Davis’s compulsion to do whatever she could to help, and compelled to find my own ways to help those less fortunate.
The book also raised fascinating and challenging questions for me, that I’ll be Googling in the next few days. For example:
- When does the United States assume responsibility for crimes against humanity when it has no geopolitical strategic interests? How have administrations differed in their global crisis response?
- LRA members followed Kony in part because he was a spiritual leader. And one of the key steps for LRA escapees to reassimilate to their communities were spiritual cleansing rituals. I wonder what religious systems exist in the region? How do they impact civilian life?
- Sedgwick Davis detailed the perils of African terrain, from bees, malaria, snakes, hippos, crocodiles, and safari ants to jamalgota seeds that can cause illness and death. I would love to learn more about the African ecosystem; how do humans coexist with these dangerous animals in remote areas of the region? What is it about the physical ecosystem that creates dangerous plants and animals like these?
- Sedgwick Davis explained the damaging political scars of British colonialism: in Uganda, Britain essentially invented a nation and ignored tribal sovereignty, forcing culturally distinct groups into one protectorate. They elevated and marginalized groups, stirring division that eventually birthed civil war and the LRA. I don’t know as much as I should about British colonialism in Africa, and would like to grapple with the realities and ramifications of that historical period.
- What are the domains of different global peacekeeping NGOs? How effective are they? (E.g. Human Rights Watch, UN, the ICC, the Elders)
- Is the death penalty ever justified? I was struck by Sedgwick Davis’s reflection that when the warlord and murderer Dominic Ongwen defected, he still showed signs of humanity by helping create defection messages. He was tried at The Hague; I want to read more about his trial, and think about the judicial fate a murderer like him should meet. The question of redemption and forgiveness is difficult in cases like these.
Highly recommend; I learned so much and won’t forget this book.
February 27, 2023
I heard Sharon Sedgwick Davis on a podcast and was intrigued by her work with Bridgeway Foundation prompting me to read her book. The first portion, where they detail some of the atrocities, is quite hard, but as the endeavor comes full circle it is quite a lesson in persistence, collaboration, and forgiveness.
April 18, 2022
This book far exceeded my expectations. Davis’s story is not a story about a difficult situation in which a rosy solution appeared, but a story of a ludicrous goal that partially succeeded and was marred with struggle, strain, setbacks. What makes Davis’s story a great read is the lessons that come from it. The first lesson is about blind commitment to a goal, the second is about the role of luck, and the third unintended consequences.
At the beginning of the book Davis did not feel ready for the commitment to track Kony. However, eventually she realized that she would never fully be ready and she needed to commit to the course of action and hope for the best. What makes that valuable is understanding that things are not perfect and a lot of times 80% is good enough. The rest will have to be figured out in the fly.
As a result of the first lesson, the second lesson results. The remaining 20% of the unfinished plan caused much stress and trial for the author. Often times the solution appeared randomly from people the author happened to be around by chance. Only because Davis jumped on the opportunity to find help in unusual places was she able to succeed as much as she did. Since things can be random, don’t be foolish and pass up on an opportunity.
The final lesson is of unintended consequences. Not much elaboration is needed on this point. There is no such thing as a laid out plan without flaws. Be prepared for things to have adverse effects that were unanticipated. Consequently, be flexible and always keep the original reason for your endeavors in sight.
The bottom line that creates the overall message for this book is commit to causes you know to be righteous and follow through with that conviction as it seems all is working against you. Just as Davis did, the final goal may not be realized, but 80% is good enough. Perfection is allusive.
At the beginning of the book Davis did not feel ready for the commitment to track Kony. However, eventually she realized that she would never fully be ready and she needed to commit to the course of action and hope for the best. What makes that valuable is understanding that things are not perfect and a lot of times 80% is good enough. The rest will have to be figured out in the fly.
As a result of the first lesson, the second lesson results. The remaining 20% of the unfinished plan caused much stress and trial for the author. Often times the solution appeared randomly from people the author happened to be around by chance. Only because Davis jumped on the opportunity to find help in unusual places was she able to succeed as much as she did. Since things can be random, don’t be foolish and pass up on an opportunity.
The final lesson is of unintended consequences. Not much elaboration is needed on this point. There is no such thing as a laid out plan without flaws. Be prepared for things to have adverse effects that were unanticipated. Consequently, be flexible and always keep the original reason for your endeavors in sight.
The bottom line that creates the overall message for this book is commit to causes you know to be righteous and follow through with that conviction as it seems all is working against you. Just as Davis did, the final goal may not be realized, but 80% is good enough. Perfection is allusive.
May 15, 2019
Actually 4.5 stars rounded down. That said, I'm very ambivalent about rating most memoirs because it feels like I'm rating the authors' experiences, which isn't really my place.
In any case, this was an incredible story about what it takes to go after a Central African warlord who committed a laundry list of absolute atrocities. To Stop a Warlord for me was all around an eye opener. Particularly palpable in this memoir is the drive of different people to seek justice, and the frustration at others with power who are uncaring or unable to help. I really liked how David's story was interwoven into Sedgwick Davis's main narrative - it not only gave more depth and interest to the story, but also served as background for the complexity of what one should do with defectors who helped commit atrocities. On a broader scale, the book provides food for thought on the nature of morality and punishment. There are definitely bad and evil people here, Kony himself being one of them. That said, good and evil are not as clear cut here as one might initially think - they rarely ever are - and a heavy hand may not always be the best option, even for those who have done terrible things.
My primary gripe with this book is that the main narrative sometimes felt bogged down by logistical details. I know this is important information, because it conveys the reality of the situation, but it sometimes made my interest falter. In addition, though I know it was authentically felt by the author, the way emotional reactions were presented felt sterile. To me they felt almost robotic at times rather than providing an extra punch to the story. But, these are minor points.
Overall, a recommended read for sure.
Thanks to Random House and Goodreads giveaways for a free ARC of the book.
In any case, this was an incredible story about what it takes to go after a Central African warlord who committed a laundry list of absolute atrocities. To Stop a Warlord for me was all around an eye opener. Particularly palpable in this memoir is the drive of different people to seek justice, and the frustration at others with power who are uncaring or unable to help. I really liked how David's story was interwoven into Sedgwick Davis's main narrative - it not only gave more depth and interest to the story, but also served as background for the complexity of what one should do with defectors who helped commit atrocities. On a broader scale, the book provides food for thought on the nature of morality and punishment. There are definitely bad and evil people here, Kony himself being one of them. That said, good and evil are not as clear cut here as one might initially think - they rarely ever are - and a heavy hand may not always be the best option, even for those who have done terrible things.
My primary gripe with this book is that the main narrative sometimes felt bogged down by logistical details. I know this is important information, because it conveys the reality of the situation, but it sometimes made my interest falter. In addition, though I know it was authentically felt by the author, the way emotional reactions were presented felt sterile. To me they felt almost robotic at times rather than providing an extra punch to the story. But, these are minor points.
Overall, a recommended read for sure.
Thanks to Random House and Goodreads giveaways for a free ARC of the book.
January 20, 2020
This book rocks. Seriously. I've been following Joseph Kony since my introduction to him by Invisible Children in 2012....but it didn't stop there for me. I have gone to Northern Uganda to volunteer at a couple of different schools that were impacted directly by the LRA and personally visited the first village that was attacked. I have been waiting for the day that this evil man has been captured.....and since I knew he hasn't been captured yet, I knew there was more to the story and it would be revealed in this book.
WOW. Shannon's story telling is so detailed....so wonderful....and the things that she and her cohorts and supporters have done to break down walls, empower the helpless, and give hope again to many people of Uganda and her surrounding countries BLOWS ME AWAY. I am so amazed at the courage of Shannon and her friends. The sacrifice. The failed attempts, but not the loss of hope. The love they have for Uganda. The beauty of grace and mercy and restoration and healing.
Go get this book....and give yourself time to digest the stories. It took me a few weeks to go through it because it is a long book, but I needed time to chew on the stories, look up articles online, and ask questions of my friends in Uganda.
WOW. Shannon's story telling is so detailed....so wonderful....and the things that she and her cohorts and supporters have done to break down walls, empower the helpless, and give hope again to many people of Uganda and her surrounding countries BLOWS ME AWAY. I am so amazed at the courage of Shannon and her friends. The sacrifice. The failed attempts, but not the loss of hope. The love they have for Uganda. The beauty of grace and mercy and restoration and healing.
Go get this book....and give yourself time to digest the stories. It took me a few weeks to go through it because it is a long book, but I needed time to chew on the stories, look up articles online, and ask questions of my friends in Uganda.
October 28, 2019
Wreckless Reconciliation is possible
I was priveledge to meet Mrs Sedgwick Davis at a community meeting called Pub Theology in San Antonio. I am profoundly moved by the humility and Isaiah 58 love of this amazing woman and all the change makers she inspired and collaborated with to accomplish such an undertaking. It's as though the impossible becomes an imperative by the not so simple task of tackling one challenge at a time and in spite of moments of defeat and discouragement, never giving up. The 10 plus years struggle so poignantly portrayed in this book is truly inspiring and it tells me social justice advocacy is not futile, but is our marching orders. Radical Reconciliation is not just possible, it is imperative and it is my responsibility. I'm especially inspired by David Ocitti and Laren as well as all the supporting roles that Shannon so humbly shares the spotlight with. And what an honor to meet and thank the prayer warrior that spent so many sleepless nights lifting this mission up, Shannon's Mother.
I was priveledge to meet Mrs Sedgwick Davis at a community meeting called Pub Theology in San Antonio. I am profoundly moved by the humility and Isaiah 58 love of this amazing woman and all the change makers she inspired and collaborated with to accomplish such an undertaking. It's as though the impossible becomes an imperative by the not so simple task of tackling one challenge at a time and in spite of moments of defeat and discouragement, never giving up. The 10 plus years struggle so poignantly portrayed in this book is truly inspiring and it tells me social justice advocacy is not futile, but is our marching orders. Radical Reconciliation is not just possible, it is imperative and it is my responsibility. I'm especially inspired by David Ocitti and Laren as well as all the supporting roles that Shannon so humbly shares the spotlight with. And what an honor to meet and thank the prayer warrior that spent so many sleepless nights lifting this mission up, Shannon's Mother.
February 5, 2022
Philanthropist who invests with her actions, time, talents, and passion, To Stop a Warlord by Shannon Sedgwick Davis is a moving non- fiction quest for peace for humanity.
I met her, virtually, and was able to get her to speak at my school to our 'Global Leaders' ❤️🌎
She's a Christian with a conviction to help stop Joseph Kony, leader of LRA, who killed over a hundred thousand people and kidnapped children and forced them to child soldiers.
She runs an organization out of San Antonio, Bridgeway foundation.
Check it out!
This book is phenomenal!
I met her, virtually, and was able to get her to speak at my school to our 'Global Leaders' ❤️🌎
She's a Christian with a conviction to help stop Joseph Kony, leader of LRA, who killed over a hundred thousand people and kidnapped children and forced them to child soldiers.
She runs an organization out of San Antonio, Bridgeway foundation.
Check it out!
This book is phenomenal!
April 16, 2019
I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway.
An engrossing read, Sedgwick Davis does an excellent job recounting her involvement in the efforts to end the LRA's actions in Central Africa. The book discusses the rather innovative and unique efforts of an NGO in training and funding a foreign nation's military forces and the various strategies used to mitigate the violence by the LRA.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in foreign affairs, NGO work, or events happening in Central Africa.
An engrossing read, Sedgwick Davis does an excellent job recounting her involvement in the efforts to end the LRA's actions in Central Africa. The book discusses the rather innovative and unique efforts of an NGO in training and funding a foreign nation's military forces and the various strategies used to mitigate the violence by the LRA.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in foreign affairs, NGO work, or events happening in Central Africa.
July 13, 2019
I loved this book. I read/listened to it in one day. If you care at all about genocide in Africa, I think it’s more important to hear stories like this and Ishmael Beah’s memoir of a Boy Soldier than reading about the warlords and those perpetuating the genocide. Let’s lift up the voices of those that actually work to stop genocide.
Going into this I thought it could be just white saviorhood and patting on back-ness and that’s not at all what I saw at all. I think this is a must read.
Going into this I thought it could be just white saviorhood and patting on back-ness and that’s not at all what I saw at all. I think this is a must read.
August 27, 2019
Wow! I loved this book so much! Given previous work on the LRA/Kony conflict I already had a pretty high knowledge of this issue, but I was blown away by the confidential and previously undiscussed details that were revealed in this book. I read all 300+ pages on one day.
If you have any interest in social justice, humanitarian work or military strategy, this is a great read. Hope they make it into a move!
If you have any interest in social justice, humanitarian work or military strategy, this is a great read. Hope they make it into a move!
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