By Chol D. Johnson
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has confirmed the repatriation of 27 South Sudanese youth who had been in custody in Ethiopia’s Mezan Prison in the southwest region.
In a statement issued Sunday, Ministry Press Secretary Apuk Ayuel Mayen said the group; originally from Eastern Equatoria State was formally received by South Sudanese authorities on 16 November 2025.
“The Government of South Sudan formally received 27 South Sudanese youth who had been under the custody of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia at Mezan Prison,” the ministry statement confirmed.
“All of them are in good health,” it added.
Ayuel expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian government for its cooperation in the release and transfer of the youths.
“We express profound appreciation to the Government of Ethiopia, particularly the authorities of the southwest region, for facilitating the release of these individuals,” she said.
She also credited the role of the Senior Presidential Envoy on Special Programs, Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit, and senior officials involved in the process.
“The successful repatriation came as a result of very close coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, our Embassy in Addis Ababa, the Office of the Senior Presidential Envoy, and the Ethiopian authorities,” Ayuel noted.
Ayuel highlighted the involvement of Minister Monday Semaya K. Kumba and embassy staff in ensuring the group’s safe transit.
“Hon. Adut, Minister Monday Semaya K. Kumba, and our embassy staff played an instrumental role in guaranteeing their safe and orderly transportation,” she noted.
The ministry said the operation reflects the growing cooperation between Juba and Addis Ababa.
“This repatriation reflects the strength and maturity of the bilateral relations between South Sudan and Ethiopia,” Ayuel said.
She added that, “It is a constructive step toward fostering mutual trust and deepening people-to-people relations.”
She reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad and maintaining strong ties with Ethiopia.
“The Government of South Sudan remains committed to working with Ethiopia to ensure peaceful coexistence along our shared border and the safety of South Sudanese citizens abroad,” she concluded.