The International Criminal Court (ICC) has opened Joseph Kony's war crimes case, marking the first time charges have been confirmed without the accused present. This historic proceeding tests the court's ability to prosecute high-profile fugitives.

• Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), faces 39 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder and sexual enslavement.
• An arrest warrant for Kony was issued 20 years ago, yet he remains at large despite years of manhunts and a 2012 social media campaign.
• The ICC is using its power under the Rome Statute to proceed in absentia, setting a precedent for handling other fugitives.