Rebels admit holding aid workers, claim they are government agents
Opposition forces loyal to rebel leader Riek Machar have admitted that they abducted 7 aid workers and confiscated three of their vehicles on 25th of March.
According to a statement by the national aid organisation South Sudan Health Association SSUHA the seven national staff were kidnapped while delivering health supplies to health centres in Kupera, Limuro, Wuji and Koyoki areas of Lainya county.
However, speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, SPLA-IO deputy spokesman Lam Paul Gabriel acknowledged that they are holding the aid workers but accused the organisation of not being sincere in their operations saying some of those detained are government security agents.
“They are here with us including three of their vehicles,” he said.
He went on to say, “The SSUHA, say they deliver aid but they are used by government. So they came with medicine and went to Limuro, Kupera, with security. We know them. So our military intelligence met and took them to our offices where we found that some of them are government security agents. Two of them have no ID cards, not even of the organsaition. And after our investigations we found that other two people are Salva Kiir’s security agents.”
Paul further accused the organisation of not notifying them of their operations in the areas, saying they do not obstruct the delivery of aid to civilians.
“We were not notified at all by the chief. Our military intelligence were not notified, we had no information that these people were coming at all. You see if they are bringing medicine to the civilians and we are blocking the way, the civilians will not be happy with us,” he added.
The rebel officer said the aid workers will remain in detention until full investigations are completed before a decision over their fate is reached.
On Tuesday, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan Alain Noudehou strongly condemned the killing of an aid worker in Bentiu, Unity State and called for the immediate and unconditional release the seven aid workers abducted by rebels in Yei River State.
He also urged all parties to the conflict in South Sudan to ensure free, safe and unhindered access for the delivery of aid to thousands of South Sudanese in need.