South Sudan wants Riek Machar considered a terrorist
This photograph dated September 18, 2015 shows South Sudan's First Vice President Riek Machar in Khartoum. PHOTO | ASHRAF SHAZLY | AFP
What you need to know:
- Information minister Michael Makuei told the media in Juba that the captors were Dr Machar loyalists and were demanding $1 million (Sh102m) ransom from the government.
- Ambrose Edward and Midhum Ganesh were kidnapped last Wednesday at 11am from Adhar oilfield while they were on duty.
JUBA, Tuesday
South Sudan government has urged regional states to consider rebel leader Riek Machar a terrorist following the kidnapping of two Indian aid workers in his Upper Nile stronghold.
Information minister Michael Makuei told the media in Juba that the captors were Dr Machar loyalists and were demanding $1 million (Sh102m) ransom from the government.
“The rebels are demanding a ransom of $1 million for their release,” said Mr Makuei.
Mr Ambrose Edward and Mr Midhum Ganesh were kidnapped last Wednesday at 11am from Adhar oilfield while they were on duty.
Mr Makuei said the abduction confirmed that Dr Machar’s movement had become a terrorist organisation. He asked the rebels to ensure the safety and unconditional release of the pair as soon as possible.
The Indian embassy in Juba was putting pressure on Juba to ensure a safe release of its nationals. Oil minister Ezekiel Gatkuoth Lol said he had held a meeting with the Indian ambassador to South Sudan on the matter. He said the government was doing its best to save the lives of the kidnapped aid workers.
