Local authorities in South Sudan's Western Equatoria State are urging for the immediate and unconditional release of eight MTN fibre-optic workers who were detained by armed opposition forces in Bandala. The workers were ambushed on October 29, 2026, while travelling from Wau to Source Yubu, where they are based. The incident occurred along the road between Tambura and Nagero counties, forcing their occupants to divert towards Bandala, where they were subsequently detained in an area under the control of the Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).
The detained workers are part of a team involved in installing and expanding the MTN fibre-optic network, which aims to improve telecommunications and internet connectivity in the state. Western Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communications Noah Philip Isaah expressed concern over the incident, particularly in light of a statement circulating on Facebook and WhatsApp that was reportedly issued by Henry Baganda Asaya, identified as the SPLM-IO commissioner for Nagero County. The statement announced the reopening of roads and the resumption of free movement for civilians, humanitarian organisations, traders, and other travellers between Nagero, Tambura, Wau, and surrounding areas.
According to Isaah, four vehicles carrying eight people were ambushed, and one vehicle was later released and allowed to travel to Wau to collect money reportedly demanded for the release of the detained workers. The amount allegedly demanded remains unclear. Isaah questioned why workers involved in expanding telecommunications infrastructure would be detained despite the reported announcement permitting free movement for civilians. He emphasized that the fibre-optic project was intended to benefit communities across the state, regardless of their political or geographical affiliations.
Tambura County Commissioner James Mupaya condemned the reported detention of three vehicles by SPLA-IO forces in Bandala, allegedly over a demand for 35 million South Sudanese pounds (SSP). Mupaya said information received from affected travellers indicated that the vehicles were travelling from the Wau Road area towards Tambura when they were intercepted and detained by armed opposition forces. The forces accused the travellers of being responsible for the death of a child who allegedly drank diesel from one of the vehicles during an earlier journey along the same road towards Wau.
Mupaya urged those seeking political change to pursue it through democratic means, allowing citizens to choose their leaders freely through the ballot box. He added that targeting individuals, businesses, and organisations, as well as detaining people and demanding money, would not provide lasting solutions to the country's challenges. Mupaya called on all parties to respect civilians, uphold peaceful coexistence, and support preparations for peaceful elections.
Bernardo Gabriel, acting commissioner of Nagero County, confirmed that the incident occurred between Friday and Saturday, with the workers reportedly being held in Bandala. He stated that they do not know how much is being demanded from the workers. In a statement shared with Radio Tamazuj, Henry Baganda Asaya said security meetings had resolved to allow the free movement of humanitarian assistance, national and international non-governmental organisations, traders, vehicles, motorcycles, and civilians.
The announcement permitting free movement has raised questions among local authorities about the reported detention of the workers and other travellers. SPLA-IO representatives had not responded to requests for comment on the reported detention, the alleged financial demands, or the accusations made by local authorities by the time of publication. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of civilians and workers providing essential services in the region.
Key points
- Local authorities in Western Equatoria State are calling for the immediate release of eight MTN fibre-optic workers detained by armed opposition forces in Bandala.
- The detained workers are part of a team involved in installing and expanding the MTN fibre-optic network, which aims to improve telecommunications and internet connectivity in the state.
- The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of civilians and workers providing essential services in the region.
