A local indigenous non-governmental organization, Mugwo Development Organization (MDO), on Thursday temporarily suspended the movement of its staff to field locations within Mugwo Payam in Yei River County due to safety concerns after the abduction of the organization’s field coordinator earlier this week.
The organization focuses on agriculture and supporting farmers and youth with technical vocational skills in Yei and Morobo counties.
Amba Faustin Joseph, MDO’s head of programs, told Radio Tamazuj that the decision was taken due to the continuous intimidation and abduction of its staff along the way by bandits.
“We have been operating in these locations, and it has not been easy, especially regarding security. We meet armed people on the way, and sometimes they harass or rob us. It has been happening with some partners,” he explained. “On 9 June 2026, at exactly 10.30 A.M., a team of my staff travelling to Mugwo to support farmers with the training was intercepted by a group of bandits around six and a half miles from the town. The bandits abducted a female staff member from the car and allowed the driver to continue alone. She remained in their captivity for one and a half days.”
“It was a struggle to free her and involved lengthy talks because the bandits were demanding a ransom payment of around USD 20,000, which our local organization does not have. Fortunately, they heard our pleas and released her around 8:30 P.M,” Amba added.
He stated that due to the frequent abductions of humanitarian workers in the same spot, the management has temporarily suspended its services to farmers in Mugwo until further notice.
“This month alone, we have recorded three incidents at the same spot. I think no appropriate measures have been taken to mitigate the situation,” he said. “We will continue to advocate for the government to take measures such that the safety of humanitarian workers is ensured.”
Efforts to reach the Yei River County commissioner for a comment were futile.
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