Kenya: Pilots threaten to halt flights to South Sudan

Event

On Sunday, February 11, the Kenya Airline Pilots Association called for all commercial and chartered flights to South Sudan to be suspended in response to the ongoing detention of two Kenyan pilots by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO). The two pilots have been held by the SPLA-IO since January 9, when they were apprehended after an accident in the Greater Upper Nile region. SPLA-IO rebels are demanding that Kenya pays USD 200,000 (20 million shillings) in compensation to the family of a woman who was killed in the accident. The Kenyan pilots argue that the compensation amount is too high and that the SPLA-IO is violating the human rights of the two captured pilots.

Context

According to the UN, the pilots are being held in South Sudan’s Akobo region. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing after suffering a mechanical failure. Both pilots and nine passengers suffered minor injuries in the landing. A local woman and 11 cattle were also killed in the incident.

Advice

Travelers flying to and from Kenya to South Sudan are advised to monitor the situation and confirm reservations.

Many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to South Sudan. Certain regions should be particularly avoided, including the states of Unity and Upper Nile, the north of Warrap state, parts of Eastern and Central Equatoria states, and areas along the border with the Central African Republic, Kenya, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. If travel is necessary, ensure that proper security protocols are in place.