Local authorities in South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State have called for the immediate and unconditional release of eight MTN fibre-optic workers detained by armed opposition forces in Bandala following an ambush along the road between Tambura and Nagero counties.
The workers were part of a team involved in installing and expanding the MTN fibre-optic network, which is expected to improve telecommunications and internet connectivity in the state.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Western Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communications Noah Philip Isaah said the incident occurred on October 29, 2026, when four vehicles carrying eight people were travelling from Wau through Nagero towards Source Yubu, where the fibre-optic project workers are based.
According to Isaah, the vehicles were ambushed along the road between Tambura and Nagero, 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).
He said 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 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.
Isaah questioned why workers involved in expanding telecommunications infrastructure would be detained despite the reported announcement permitting free movement for civilians.
He said the fibre-optic project was intended to benefit communities across the stat, regardless of their political or geographical affiliations.
“We do not want these kinds of incidents to happen to our people who are working to provide network services. The same network that everyone is using is being developed by these workers. They should not arrest anyone along the road and demand money for their release,” Isaah said.
He called on those holding the workers to release them immediately and unconditionally, warning against targeting civilians and people providing essential services.
Meanwhile, 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.
According to the commissioner, 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.
He said the forces subsequently demanded 35 million SSP in compensation for the child’s alleged death.
One of the three vehicles was reportedly released and instructed to travel to Wau to mobilise or deliver the money through an intermediary to secure the release of the remaining two vehicles.
The commissioner 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.
Separately, Bernardo Gabriel, acting commissioner of Nagero County, confirmed that the incident occurred between Friday and Saturday, with the workers reportedly being held in Bandala.
“We do not know how much they are demanding from the workers. We are here at the Nagero County headquarters, while the detained workers are in Bandala,” Gabriel told Radio Tamazuj.
In a statement shared with Radio Tamazuj by the Office of the Nagero County Commissioner, Henry Baganda Asaya, identified as the SPLM-IO commissioner in the opposition-controlled area, 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 statement said the decision followed clashes between SPLA-IO forces and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) on October 19, 2026. It said the measure was intended to boost trade and enable communities in Nagero County to access goods and services from Wau and Tambura.
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.
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