JUBA CITY, Sept. 27, 2024 — The Ceasefire Transitional Security Arrangement Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) on Friday accused the National Salvation Front (NAS) rebel group, led by Gen. Thomas Cirillo Swaka, of kidnapping aid workers for ransom in Central Equatoria State.
Speaking at a CTSAMVM Board Meeting, Maj. Gen. Yitayal Gelaw, Chairperson of the Mechanism, condemned NAS for actions that jeopardize humanitarian efforts and endanger the lives of aid workers.
“Recent tragic events in Central Equatoria and the targeting of civilians in transit serve as a stark reminder that communities and travelers continue to bear the brunt of alleged NAS operations,” Gelaw said. He further noted a disturbing shift in NAS’s tactics, with increased focus on kidnapping NGO workers to demand ransom payments.
This shift has reportedly reduced humanitarian access to vulnerable populations, including returnees.
On Sept. 20, 2024, armed criminals attacked two Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) vehicles near Yei, kidnapping MSF and partner organization staff and looting personal belongings, leading MSF to suspend outreach activities in Yei River County.
NAS, which was formed in 2017 and refused to sign the 2018 peace agreement, has yet to respond to the accusations.
