NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) - The number of aid workers kidnapped in South Sudan has more than doubled in 2025, raising significant concerns among humanitarian agencies about the safety of their staff and the disruption of vital services. This year, over 30 South Sudanese aid workers have been abducted, compared to the figures from 2024, indicating a troubling trend that is increasingly jeopardizing humanitarian efforts in one of the world's most severe crises.
Several kidnapped workers have been released after ransom payments, but the climate of fear increased recently when James Unguba, a local aid worker, died in captivity following his abduction in the Tambura county of Western Equatoria state. Reports indicate that Unguba was taken by men in national military uniforms, with the details surrounding his death remaining unclear. The South Sudanese military has refused to comment on the incident.
The United Nations has long regarded South Sudan as one of the most dangerous places for aid workers. Experts like Daniel Akech from the International Crisis Group express concern that if the trend of abductions for ransom continues, it could escalate into a widespread issue across the country. This situation is compounded by increased violence between the national army and opposition factions, which some analysts link to instability surrounding President Salva Kiir's potential succession, especially in light of speculations concerning his health.
While abductions for political reasons have occurred in the past, the current surge in kidnappings for ransom presents a new challenge for humanitarian operations in Central and Western Equatoria states. Ferenc Marko, a South Sudan expert, emphasized that this troubling development could severely impede humanitarian work in these regions.
The majority of the kidnappings have taken place in remote areas along South Sudan’s southern borders with Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic. These disruptions threaten to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation, with aid organizations warning that lives are at stake due to interrupted services. For instance, in July 2025, Doctors Without Borders suspended its operations in two counties after staff members were kidnapped while traveling in marked vehicles, signaling the severity of the risks faced by aid workers.
Currently, it remains unclear which groups are responsible for the abductions. Akech notes that numerous armed groups exist within the region, driven by economic desperation, which adds to the unpredictability of the situation. Additionally, civil rights advocate Edmund Yakani mentioned that there is no single group accountable for these kidnappings, which complicates efforts to enhance the safety of aid workers.
Despite a widespread policy against paying ransoms, families of kidnapped aid workers sometimes resort to using neutral intermediaries, such as churches, to negotiate and facilitate payments. This practice stands in contrast to the ethical guidelines upheld by many humanitarian organizations.
The challenges have also been exacerbated by recent reductions in funding for aid initiatives in South Sudan. The U.S. administration under President Donald Trump had initiated plans to dismantle the U.S. Agency for International Development, which was responsible for over half of the country's emergency relief funding. European donors have indicated potential cuts as well, further straining the already limited resources available for humanitarian assistance.
Globally, violence against aid workers has surged, with reports indicating that 2024 was the deadliest year for humanitarian professionals, with 383 fatalities documented. The trend shows no signs of slowing, with 2025 expected to surpass these already alarming statistics.
