An employee of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan has been detained by the South Sudanese government for nearly one month.

Security agents arrested George Livio in Wau without explanation on 22 August, according to two sources. He had been working as part of the UNMISS Public Information Office. 

The government has not explained whether any criminal charges have been filed against George Livio, as required by law, nor specified what those might be. 

Livio is a “full time employee of UNMISS,” according to the peacekeeping mission.

UNMISS’ public information office told Radio Tamazuj yesterday, “We are not in a position to provide information as to the reasons for the staff member’s detention.”

The UN office disclosed however that UNMISS Security have been given permission to visit Livio.

“UNMISS security have been given unrestricted access by the Deputy Director of National Security to visit the detained staff member on a regular basis.”

The peacekeeping mission says that it continues to pursue Livio’s release.

Related coverage:

Wau journalist held more than two weeks without charge (10 Sept.)

WBG governor fails to specify charges against journalist (4 Sept.)

South Sudan holds journalist without charge, denies father access (28 Aug.)

National Security detain UN radio journalist in Wau (26 Aug.)

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