By Deng Ghai Deng
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed grave concern over a sharp increase in abductions allegedly carried out by the National Salvation Front (NAS) and other armed groups in the greater Yei region of Central Equatoria state.
The affected areas include Yei River, Morobo, and Lainya counties.
In July alone, UNMISS reported 12 separate abduction incidents involving 134 individuals, including six children.
The abduction of minors poses severe risks, such as forced recruitment into armed groups, sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, condemned these acts, stating, “Children as well as adults in captivity must be released immediately and unconditionally. Such incidents not only violate international human rights and humanitarian law but also have a devastating impact on communities, creating fear and uncertainty.”
Haysom urged the Government of South Sudan to conduct immediate investigations into the abductions and reminded all parties involved of their human rights obligations.
“We call for collective action by all stakeholders, including the Government, to strengthen measures that prevent recurring abductions and to bring perpetrators to justice swiftly,” he added.
Abductions continue to pose a significant threat to security and peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan. UNMISS is actively working with national, state, and local authorities to address this urgent issue and mitigate its impact on the affected communities.