All NewsEducationTV
Equities & FundsCrypto & Digital AssetsAI & TechnologyBusiness & CorporateUS Politics & PolicyGeopolitics & Global RiskMacro, Rates & FXCommodities & EnergyEuropean Politics & MarketsAsia-PacificReal Estate & Property
Story archiveAll categories
← All Stories

South Sudanese whistleblower freed after two months in detention

Created at 10 Aug · 10:21 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

A South Sudanese whistleblower, Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit, who was abducted in Kenya and detained in South Sudan for nearly two months, has been released and returned to Nairobi. His family reported his health deteriorated during detention.

✉Newsletter

PiQ Daily

Pick your topics. Get only what matters, on your cadence.

Key Numbers

two monthsdetention period

Who's Involved

Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit
South Sudanese whistleblower with Kenyan citizenship
Boniface Mwangi
Kenyan activist who received information from Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit
Ateny Wek Ateny
South Sudan government spokesperson

↳ Why This Matters

The release of a whistleblower who alleged high-level corruption, following his abduction and detention, raises concerns about human rights and accountability in South Sudan. His deteriorating health during detention highlights potential mistreatment.

Key facts

  • South Sudanese whistleblower Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit has been released after nearly two months in detention.
  • He was abducted in Kenya in June and taken to South Sudan.
  • His family stated his health deteriorated during his detention in Juba.
  • Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit returned to Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday and is receiving medical treatment.
  • He had previously shared information about allegations of high-level corruption in South Sudan.

A South Sudanese whistleblower, Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit, who also holds Kenyan citizenship, has been released after nearly two months in detention. He was abducted in Kenya in early June by armed, masked men and subsequently taken to South Sudan. His family reported that his health deteriorated during his detention in Juba, the South Sudanese capital. Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit returned to Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday and is currently receiving medical treatment. Prior to his abduction, he had informed Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi in April that he possessed information regarding allegations of high-level corruption in South Sudan. South Sudan's government has consistently denied accusations of systematic human rights abuses and widespread corruption. Both Kenyan and South Sudanese officials had stated in June that they were unaware of Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit's disappearance.

Frequently asked questions

He is a South Sudanese whistleblower who also holds Kenyan citizenship. He reportedly shared information about high-level corruption allegations in South Sudan.

He was abducted in Kenya in early June and subsequently detained in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, for nearly two months.

His family reported that his health deteriorated during his detention. He is now receiving medical treatment in Nairobi, Kenya.

The government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The government has previously dismissed accusations of human rights abuses and corruption.

What Happens Next

01Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit is expected to continue receiving medical treatment.
02Further details regarding the allegations of corruption may emerge.

Get the newsletter.

Pick the topics you actually care about. We'll email when there's news worth your time, on the cadence you choose. Cancel any time from your account.

Cadence

How It Developed

Athorbey Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit was abducted in Kenya in early June.
He was taken to South Sudan and held in detention.
His family reported his health deteriorated in detention.
Al-Gaddhaffy-Dit was released and returned to Nairobi on Saturday.
He is receiving medical treatment in Kenya.

Sources

T1
South Sudanese whistleblower released after nearly two months in detention, family saysReuters

Related Stories

British couple jailed in Iran end hunger strike
10 Aug · 7:51 AM
Syria and Russia agree on future of Tartous and Hmeimim bases
9 Aug · 1:11 PM
Palestinian Journalists Syndicate Documents 108 Israeli Attacks in July
10 Aug · 6:11 AM
Alleged Irish crime boss Kinahan extradited from UAE to Ireland
9 Aug · 7:29 PM
Nigerian army rescues 33 abducted travelers in Zamfara
9 Aug · 5:41 PM