By Alan Clement
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has confirmed that it is actively coordinating the safe return of 27 South Sudanese youth currently detained in Muzan prison, Ethiopia.
The Ministry’s Spokesperson, Amb. Apuk Ayuel Mayen, told journalists during the weekly media briefing on Thursday that the youth, cattle herders from Eastern Equatoria, accidentally crossed the international border while armed and were subsequently arrested by Ethiopian authorities.
“These 27 youths from Eastern Equatoria accidentally crossed the international border. They were cattle herders and they were armed. And they faced detention on the other side,” Ambassador Apuk told journalists.
She stated that the Ministry is actively working through South Sudan’s embassy in Addis Ababa to secure the release of the youth.
“Our embassy in Addis Ababa is negotiating with the government of Ethiopia for their release,” Ambassador Mayen stated, emphasizing that the Ministry is pursuing the matter through diplomatic channels.
According to the Institute for Security Studies Africa, cross-border cattle raids have surged since 2014 along the South Sudan–Ethiopia frontier, particularly among Murle, Dinka, and Toposa communities which often result in the abduction and trafficking of women and children, fueling a cycle of violence and exploitation.
In August 2022, South Sudan and Ethiopia signed a security pact in Addis Ababa to strengthen bilateral ties and jointly address border security and transnational crime through information sharing, training, and coordinated efforts
During the media briefing, Amb. Mayen reassured the public that the government is prioritizing the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad while continuing to strengthen diplomatic ties with neighboring countries.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation reaffirms its dedication to principled diplomacy, open communication and the advancement of South Sudan’s national interests at the regional, continental and global levels,” she stressed.
The weekly press briefings, introduced in early September, aim to improve transparency and keep the South Sudanese public informed on the country’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.