Western Equatoria: SPLA-IO Detains 8 MTN Fibre-Optic Workers

• Eight MTN fibre-optic workers were detained by SPLA-IO forces in Bandala, Western Equatoria State, on October 29, 2026, following an ambush.
• The workers were installing a network to improve telecommunications and internet connectivity in the region.
• One vehicle was released to collect an undisclosed sum of money demanded for the workers' release.
• Western Equatoria State Minister Noah Philip Isaah condemned the detention, questioning it given a recent SPLM-IO announcement of free movement.
• A separate incident involved SPLA-IO forces demanding 35 million SSP for the release of three other vehicles, alleging traveler responsibility for a child's death.

The Minister emphasized the importance of protecting those who provide essential services, stating that the network being developed is utilized by everyone and that such workers should not face arrest or demands for money for their release.

Eight individuals employed by MTN, engaged in the installation and expansion of a crucial fibre-optic network, were reportedly detained by armed opposition forces in Bandala, located within South Sudan’s Western Equatoria State. The incident, which took place on October 29, 2026, followed an ambush on the road connecting Tambura and Nagero counties. These Western Equatoria fibre-optic workers were part of a team whose efforts are aimed at significantly enhancing telecommunications and internet connectivity across the state.

The group of eight was traveling in four vehicles from Wau, passing through Nagero en route to Source Yubu, their operational base for the fibre-optic project. During their journey, a Tambura Nagero road ambush forced their vehicles to divert towards Bandala. There, they were subsequently held in an area confirmed to be under the control of the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). One of the vehicles was later released, reportedly with instructions to travel to Wau to secure funds demanded for the release of the detained MTN South Sudan personnel, though the exact amount requested remains undisclosed.

Noah Philip Isaah, the Western Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communications, publicly called for the immediate and unconditional release of the MTN South Sudan workers. Minister Isaah voiced significant concern regarding the detention, particularly in light of a public statement attributed to Henry Baganda Asaya, identified as the SPLM-IO commissioner for Nagero County. This statement, circulated on social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, had announced the reopening of roads and assured free movement for civilians, humanitarian organizations, traders, and other travelers between Nagero, Tambura, Wau, and surrounding areas.

Isaah questioned the rationale behind detaining individuals dedicated to expanding telecommunications infrastructure, especially when such an announcement permitting free movement had been made. He underscored that the fibre-optic initiative is designed to benefit all communities throughout the state, irrespective of their political or geographical affiliations. The Minister emphasized the importance of protecting those who provide essential services, stating that the network being developed is utilized by everyone and that such workers should not face arrest or demands for money for their release. This incident highlights critical challenges for MTN South Sudan infrastructure security.

In a separate but related development, James Mupaya, the Commissioner of Tambura County, condemned the reported detention of three additional vehicles by SPLA-IO forces in Bandala. This incident involved an alleged demand for 35 million South Sudanese pounds (SSP). According to information gathered from affected travelers, these vehicles were intercepted and detained by armed opposition forces while traveling from the Wau Road area towards Tambura. The forces reportedly accused the travelers of being responsible for the death of a child, who allegedly consumed diesel from one of the vehicles during a previous trip along the same road in the direction of Wau.

Similar to the MTN workers' situation, one of these three vehicles was reportedly released with instructions to proceed to Wau to arrange or deliver the demanded sum through an intermediary, aiming to secure the release of the remaining two vehicles. Commissioner Mupaya urged those seeking political change to pursue their objectives through democratic channels, allowing citizens to freely elect their leaders. He cautioned that targeting individuals, businesses, and organizations, along with detaining people and demanding money, would not offer sustainable solutions to the nation's ongoing challenges. He called upon all parties to uphold respect for civilians, foster peaceful coexistence, and support preparations for upcoming peaceful elections, underscoring the broader South Sudan telecommunications security and operational risks.

Bernardo Gabriel, acting commissioner for Nagero County, corroborated the occurrence of the incident, confirming that it transpired between Friday and Saturday. He further affirmed that the workers remain in detention. The situation continues to be monitored, with calls for their immediate release echoing from local authorities, emphasizing the precarious environment for essential service providers in the region.

This incident highlights significant operational, security, and compliance risks for companies, particularly telecommunications providers, operating in conflict-affected regions of South Sudan. Lawyers and compliance officers should advise clients on the need for robust risk assessments, security protocols, and contingency plans to protect personnel and assets, and to navigate potential demands from non-state actors, which could have legal, financial, and reputational implications.

Source: Original reporting via Radio Tamazuj.