South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
The government said on Thursday that the Ethiopian government is holding 27 herders from Eastern Equatoria for illegal entry with firearms.
Addressing reporters at a press conference in Juba, Ambassador Apuk Ayuel Mayen, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the herders crossed into Ethiopia in search of pasture for their livestock while carrying illegal guns.
“Furthermore, the Ministry is coordinating the safe return of the 27 youths from Eastern Equatoria who are currently detained in Muzan prison in Ethiopia,” Mayen said.
Amb. Mayen noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working with the embassy in Ethiopia to ensure the release of South Sudanese nationals held in Ethiopian prisons.
“These 27 youths from Eastern Equatoria accidentally crossed the international border. As cattle herders, they were armed and subsequently faced detention on the other side,” she explained.
“Through our embassy in Addis Ababa, we are negotiating with the government of Ethiopia for their release.”
She reiterated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is committed to principled diplomacy and open communication with Ethiopia to facilitate the release of its nationals.
She added that they are working to advance South Sudan’s national interests at the regional, continental, and global levels.
According to the ambassador, the ministry continues to facilitate the return of South Sudanese nationals deported from various countries, including the United States, Egypt, and Libya, among others.
