Yei Stakeholders Concerned Over Raising Humanitarian Abductions

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Stakeholders from across Greater Yei have called for stronger collaboration between government authorities, security agencies, humanitarian organisations and local communities to address the growing threat of abductions targeting humanitarian workers and civilians.

The appeal was made at the end of a two-day stakeholders’ meeting held and concluded in Yei on Wednesday, which brought together county commissioners from Yei River, Lainya and Morobo counties, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women’s representatives, organised forces, persons with disabilities, humanitarian partners and peace committees.

The meeting, organised by ACROSS with support from CBM, focused on finding practical solutions to improve the safety and security of humanitarian personnel while strengthening community-based responses to security threats in the region.

Participants reviewed findings from a security assessment that highlighted several gaps in movement planning, risk assessment, communication, incident reporting, staff tracking and accountability. The assessment also identified heightened security risks along key transport routes where patrols and the presence of organised security forces remain limited.

Stakeholders noted that predictable travel schedules and routes often place humanitarian workers, vehicles and supplies at increased risk of ambushes, abductions and other security incidents. They also pointed to insufficient training among some staff and drivers in security risk management, emergency response procedures and safe communication practices.

Poor mobile network coverage in some areas was cited as a major challenge that hampers timely reporting, staff tracking and emergency response during security incidents.

The assessment further revealed weaknesses in coordination between humanitarian organisations, the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), county authorities, security agencies and local communities, affecting the timely sharing of critical security information.

To address these challenges, participants called for clearer and more consistent security clearance procedures involving the RRC and county authorities, particularly for humanitarian missions involving sensitive information.

Community members were recognised as an important source of information on local security threats and criminal activities. However, stakeholders observed that fear of retaliation, harassment and lack of response from authorities often discourages residents from reporting incidents.

As a result, the meeting recommended increased support for community-based structures such as peace committees, community policing groups, women’s networks and local leadership institutions, while strengthening their links to formal early-warning and response systems.

Speaking during the meeting, CBM Country Director Francis Okello urged humanitarian and development organisations operating in Greater Yei to prioritise local employment opportunities. He said involving more people from host communities could strengthen trust, improve relations and reduce tensions associated with bringing personnel from outside the area.

Okello commended county commissioners and other stakeholders for their participation and emphasised the need for continued engagement to monitor progress on agreed measures aimed at tackling abductions and improving security.

James Mugo Murihithi, a representative of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), welcomed the initiative, describing collaboration between authorities, humanitarian actors and communities as critical to addressing insecurity and promoting sustainable peace.

He noted that UNMISS has supported the training of peace committees throughout Greater Yei as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots peacebuilding initiatives.

Representing the Yei River County Commissioner, Lainya County Commissioner Huda Laila Micheal underscored the important role traditional leaders play in connecting communities with government institutions. She said chiefs remain vital actors in addressing activities that undermine security, service delivery and development.

Commissioner Micheal praised ACROSS and CBM for convening stakeholders from the three counties, including chiefs, religious leaders, women and youth groups, organised forces and persons with disabilities.

She reaffirmed the commitment of government authorities, traditional leaders and peace committees to work alongside development and humanitarian partners to address the security challenges facing communities across Greater Yei.

Meanwhile, Abure Moses, representing Women for Women, called for sustained cooperation between humanitarian organisations and government authorities while emphasising the importance of respecting humanitarian principles, including neutrality.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen coordination, improve information sharing and support community-led peace and security initiatives aimed at reducing abductions and creating a safer environment for humanitarian operations and local populations.