Central Equatoria Government Condemns Recent Yei Kidnappings

(JUBA) – The Central Equatoria State Government has condemned the recent abduction of a paramount chief and two humanitarian aid workers in Yei River County, calling the incident a criminal act that threatens peace efforts in the region.

The incident occurred on Monday, 7 July 2025, along the Yei–Tore Road, while the victims were travelling to attend a local community dialogue session. The two aid workers were reportedly released after a ransom was paid, while the paramount chief was freed three days later following sustained efforts by both state and county authorities.

Speaking to journalists in Juba after the State Council of Ministers’ weekly meeting, Acting Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, confirmed the release of the Paramount Chief of Yei, Mr Joseph Brown.

“The Council of Ministers condemns this criminal act in the strongest terms. We urge all armed groups to stop targeting civilians, especially those working to promote peace,” said Hon. Aligo.

According to Aligo, the aid workers were affiliated with a local non-governmental organisation and had been working to support grassroots peacebuilding in the county. Their abduction, he noted, was a serious setback to ongoing reconciliation efforts in Central Equatoria.

The statement was delivered following a council meeting chaired by the Governor of Central Equatoria State, H.E. Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel. The meeting also addressed other critical governance matters, including taxation and security.

Hon. Aligo said the Cabinet had discussed a memorandum presented by the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs regarding taxation and revenue collection roles between the state and the national government. This follows ongoing consultations with the National Revenue Authority to clarify overlapping mandates.

“The Cabinet resolved to form a specialised committee that will define the state’s position and engage the appropriate national institutions to find a peaceful and cooperative solution,” said the minister.

On security matters, the Cabinet reviewed a report on events during South Sudan’s recent Independence Day celebrations. Authorities described the celebrations as largely peaceful, despite a few minor disturbances. The minister thanked both the public and the security forces for ensuring calm during the festivities.

The government has not disclosed the amount of ransom reportedly paid for the release of the aid workers.