South Sudan: 26 medical workers missing after attacks

MSF Staff Remain Unaccounted for in South Sudan

As of Mon, Mar 7, 2022, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reports that 26 of their staff members remain unaccounted for following attacks in South Sudan. The incidents occurred on Feb. 3, 2022, at two MSF-operated facilities in Jonglei State, located northeast of Juba.

An MSF hospital in Lankien was bombed by government forces. Another medical facility in Pieri was raided by unidentified assailants.

Both facilities were situated in areas controlled by opposition forces, leading to displacement of staff and local populations due to ongoing armed conflicts and aerial attacks.

Communication with the missing staff is hindered by limited network connectivity in Jonglei State. Staff who have been reached report on the destruction, violence, and hardships faced in the region.

Violence in the area has intensified since December when opposition forces seized several government-held locations. The government launched a counteroffensive in January, reclaiming most of the lost territories. Reports from displaced individuals in Akobo describe severe violence and scarcity of necessities like food and water.

The attacks on MSF facilities are part of a broader increase in violence affecting humanitarian staff and infrastructure. MSF facilities have been targeted 10 times over the past year. This escalation has significantly disrupted healthcare services and endangered personnel.

Yashovardhan, the head of MSF's mission in South Sudan, expressed concern over the situation, stating, "Medical workers must never be targets. We are deeply concerned about what has happened to our colleagues and the communities we serve."

Based on reporting by Africanews.