Civil Society Group Condemns Abduction of Humanitarian Workers in Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – A civil society organization in Yei River County has strongly condemned the abduction of humanitarian aid workers operating in the area.

In a statement extended to the Access Radio newsroom on Thursday, Modi Arkangelo, Chairperson of the Yei Civil Society Forum, described the abductions as a violation of humanitarian law and the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

Modi called on the abductors to immediately and unconditionally release the aid workers, who are reportedly being held in an undisclosed location within Yei River County.

“It is shocking to us as civil society members because this is not a good trend. It affects humanitarian actors who may no longer go far from Yei town to offer services to our people living in the payams like Tore, Otogo, Lasu, and Mugwo. Most of these organizations have activities in those locations, and such abductions create fear among humanitarian organizations and others offering services in those areas,” Modi said.

He urged armed groups to embrace peaceful dialogue and ensure the protection of humanitarian workers and civilians in areas under their control.

Modi further noted that only a few organizations remain operational in Yei, and since the beginning of this year, two organizations have reportedly fallen victim to similar abductions.

He warned that such incidents negatively affect communities, particularly as many returnees from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo rely on humanitarian support.

“These returning populations expect services to reach them through humanitarian aid workers,” he said.

According to Modi, the growing trend of abductions undermines civilian safety and ongoing peacebuilding efforts in the area.