High-level detainee accuses Kenya, South Sudan of kidnapping

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — One of the highest-profile detainees during South Sudan’s civil war has shared his account with The Associated Press after his release under a fragile peace deal. Now in Sudan while seeking asylum, James Gatdet Dak is ready to have his story told.

His account, also shared with a U.N. commission of inquiry, asserts that high-level Kenyan authorities cooperated with South Sudan to seize him from his Nairobi home and force him onto a plane for deportation to a country where he feared for his life.

Kenya’s government spokesman would not comment on Dak’s case but said Kenya is committed to making sure “peace was accelerated” in its war-torn neighbor.

South Sudan’s government denies any collaboration with Kenya in the case.

Many political prisoners remain behind bars without charge.