Nairobi, Sep 11 (AP) The number of aid workers kidnapped in South Sudan has surged significantly this year, according to senior humanitarian officials from international organizations. Aid agencies are increasingly concerned about the safety of their staff and the disruption of critical services in a region experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis. Some of the kidnapped workers have been released following ransom payments, as per sources familiar with the negotiations, but tragically, one aid worker died while in captivity earlier this month. Edmund Yakani, a well-known civil rights activist in South Sudan, confirmed the incident.
The United Nations has long regarded South Sudan as a perilous environment for aid workers. Analysts now highlight the troubling rise in kidnappings for ransom as a new development in the region. "Our biggest concern is the potential for this to become a nationwide issue," said Daniel Akech, a South Sudan expert with the International Crisis Group.
This year, over 30 South Sudanese aid workers have been abducted, more than twice the number kidnapped throughout all of 2024, according to two humanitarian officials. The officials spoke anonymously to The Associated Press due to restrictions on discussing security matters and concerns over staff safety and organizational access.
The rise in kidnappings coincides with an increase in violence between South Sudan's national army and opposition factions, leading to some of the most intense conflict since a 2018 peace agreement aimed at ending a civil war that claimed approximately 400,000 lives. Some analysts suggest these conflicts are fueled by disputes over President Salva Kiir's successor amid speculation about his health.
Ferenc Marko, an expert on South Sudan, commented that while political kidnappings, such as forced recruitment, have been ongoing, the ransom kidnappings are an alarming trend that could hinder humanitarian efforts, particularly in Central and Western Equatoria.
James Unguba, a South Sudanese aid worker, was kidnapped last month in Tambura county, Western Equatoria state, and tragically died in captivity on September 3, according to sources with knowledge of the situation. These sources revealed that Unguba was abducted by individuals in military uniforms, although the precise circumstances of his death remain unclear.
A military spokesman from South Sudan reported having no information about Unguba's death and declined further questions.
Several organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), have been forced to suspend operations in parts of South Sudan due to these security concerns. In July, MSF halted its services in two counties after one of its staff members was kidnapped at gunpoint in Central Equatoria. The organization's head of mission in South Sudan, Doctor Ferdinand Atte, emphasized the importance of staff security in a statement.
The perpetrators behind these kidnappings remain unidentified, but the region is known to host several armed groups looking for financial gain amid economic decline and fears of a return to broader conflict. Riek Machar, leader of the largest opposition group and a vice president, was placed under house arrest following military incidents, further complicating the situation.
Civil society leader Yakani stated that there is no clear single responsible party for the abductions, whether from NAS, opposition, or government forces.
Despite strict non-payment policies by the UN and aid groups, families sometimes negotiate through neutral parties, such as churches, to secure the release of kidnapped workers.
The future of aid in South Sudan faces additional challenges as the Trump administration seeks to cut funds to the US Agency for International Development, which supports a significant portion of relief efforts in the country. Meanwhile, European donors are also considering reducing contributions.
Globally, violence against aid workers has reached alarming levels, with the independent research group Humanitarian Outcomes reporting 2024 as a record-breaking year for aid worker casualties, and 2025 poised to exceed it. (AP) SKS SKS SKS
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