Early was a Canadian-born, U.S. citizen, who was providing air services to the Red Cross. As he and his passengers landed in a remote area of Sudan, they didn’t realize that the landing strip was seized by Kerubino Kuanyin Bol, the leader of a separate faction of the Sudanese People’s Liberation Army. Kerubino accused the crew of transporting weapons of war, including the five rival soldiers from another SPLA faction.
The International Red Cross attempted to negotiate the release of the hostages through the Sudanese government, but Kerubino demands ransom money; he initially wants $100 million and eventually lowers his demand to $2.5 million, in addition to humanitarian aid that the Red Cross delivers.
Richardson eventually steps in, and after meetings with the Red Cross in Geneva, travels with other US officials to the guerilla-held airstrip. Kerubino continues to demand $2.5 million, but Richardson recognizes that he cares deeply for his children, one of which died and another was near death. Richardson persuaded Kerubino to release his captives in exchange or medicine, food and other humanitarian aid rather than money.