By Chuol Chanyong

The Executive Director of the  Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), Ter Manyang Gatwech, condemned the kidnapping of three children allegedly abducted by individuals from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area on Saturday.

“We strongly condemn the recent kidnapping of three children who were abducted while traveling from Kakuma to Juba at around seven o’clock in the evening last Saturday,” he said.

“This incident is deeply concerning and must be addressed without any delay. We urge the authorities of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area to fulfill their responsibilities and ensure the protection of innocent lives.”

For its part, the Peace and Advocacy Center called upon the Chief Administrator of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area to intervene urgently and direct a comprehensive search operation to ensure the immediate and safe return of the children.

The kidnapped children were identified as three-year old Doctor Gatmai Diu, Bagui Gatmai Diu, a seven-year-old girl and Koang  Riek Koang (7, boy). Doctor and Baguoi are siblings from Bentiu, Unity State, while Koang is from Jonglei State.

Manyang noted that Jonglei and Greater Pibor made commitments during the recent peace conference in Juba, and should ensure they translate the agreements into tangible actions and not just words.

The kidnapping of children constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law, and a crime against humanity.

The Center for Peace and Advocacy demanded justice and accountability for the families, and called on authorities to support efforts towards the safe return of the children.