Airstrike Hits Médecins Sans Frontières Hospital in South Sudan

On February 3, 2023, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that its hospital in Lankien, Jonglei State, South Sudan, was struck by an airstrike attributed to government forces. This incident destroyed the hospital's main warehouse and critical medical supplies, significantly impairing healthcare services for the local population. MSF had evacuated the facility hours prior to the attack after receiving warnings of a potential strike, which likely prevented further injuries among patients. However, one staff member sustained minor injuries during the bombing.

MSF staff missing as SSPDF “deliberately” bombs Lankien medical facilitiesMSF says its hospital in South Sudan hit by government air strikeMSF says airstrike hit its hospital in South Sudan's Jonglei stateSouth Sudan hospital hit by government airstrike, MSF says

The airstrike is part of a broader context of escalating violence in South Sudan, particularly in Jonglei, where clashes between government troops and opposition forces have intensified. The United Nations has reported that approximately 280,000 people have been displaced due to ongoing fighting and aerial bombardments since December 2022. Jonglei is characterized by severe food insecurity and health needs, exacerbated by the recent resurgence of conflict.

MSF says airstrike hit its hospital in South Sudan's Jonglei state

MSF has been a critical healthcare provider in South Sudan for over four decades, serving approximately 250,000 people in Lankien and the nearby town of Pieri. Following the airstrike, MSF's operations manager, Gul Badshah, emphasized that the organization had shared the GPS coordinates of its facilities with the South Sudanese government and other parties involved in the conflict, confirming their awareness of these locations. The organization has faced multiple attacks on its facilities, with this incident marking the 10th attack on MSF medical facilities in the past year.

MSF says its hospital in South Sudan hit by government air strikeMSF staff missing as SSPDF “deliberately” bombs Lankien medical facilitiesSouth Sudan hospital hit by government airstrike, MSF saysMSF says airstrike hit its hospital in South Sudan's Jonglei state

In light of the airstrike, MSF has accused the South Sudanese government of obstructing humanitarian access in opposition-held areas, which has severely limited the delivery of essential medical assistance. Abdalla Hussein, MSF's South Sudan program manager, stated, "Patients will die if the government continues to block humanitarian and medical access in Jonglei." The government's recent military operations, including "Operation Enduring Peace," aim to reclaim territory from opposition forces but have raised concerns about the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers.

South Sudan hospital hit by government airstrike, MSF saysMSF says its hospital in South Sudan hit by government air strikeMSF says airstrike hit its hospital in South Sudan's Jonglei stateMSF staff missing as SSPDF “deliberately” bombs Lankien medical facilities

Following the airstrike, several MSF staff members remain unaccounted for, having fled alongside local residents amid the escalating insecurity. MSF has been unable to establish contact with these individuals, raising concerns about their safety. The organization has indicated that the loss of its facilities in Lankien and Pieri will leave large areas without access to critical healthcare services, including emergency treatment and maternal care.

MSF staff missing as SSPDF “deliberately” bombs Lankien medical facilities

The airstrike on MSF's hospital underscores the increasing risks faced by humanitarian workers in South Sudan and the dire consequences for local communities already struggling with limited healthcare access. MSF has warned that continued attacks could lead to further suspension of lifesaving services, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. As the situation evolves, MSF is committed to making necessary decisions to protect its staff and healthcare facilities while addressing the urgent needs of the population.

MSF staff missing as SSPDF “deliberately” bombs Lankien medical facilities