At least 27 South Sudanese youths, held in Ethiopia for months over alleged illegal border crossings, have been released and returned to Juba following sustained diplomatic engagement.

The youths, identified as cattle herders, arrived at Juba International Airport on November 7, according to local media. Their detention in Muzan prison had drawn concern from South Sudanese authorities, who engaged in intensive negotiations with Ethiopian officials.

The release was facilitated through a coordinated effort by the Office of the President’s High Representative, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and the South Sudanese Embassy in Addis Ababa. In a statement, the High Representative expressed gratitude to the Ethiopian government, highlighting the role of positive bilateral relations in securing the outcome.