At Least Seven Killed as MSF Hospital in Old Fangak Targeted Amid Escalating Civil Unrest
Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has issued a strong condemnation following a devastating early morning attack on its hospital in Old Fangak, Jonglei State, northeast South Sudan. The assault, which occurred on Saturday, May 3, left at least seven people dead and 20 more injured, according to statements from the humanitarian organization.
Details of the Attack
MSF reported that the attack began around 4:30 a.m. when two helicopter gunships dropped a bomb directly on the hospital’s pharmacy, incinerating it and destroying all medical supplies. The helicopters then fired on the town for approximately 30 minutes. Later, a drone strike targeted the town’s market, causing additional casualties.
“This attack has critically undermined our capability to deliver life-saving medical assistance in Old Fangak – the sole hospital catering to over 110,000 residents in the region,” MSF stated.
The hospital, the only functioning medical facility in the area, had operated for over a decade and served as a lifeline for the local population. All supplies were lost, and the destruction leaves thousands without access to essential healthcare.
Outrage and Condemnation
MSF described the incident as a “blatant breach of international law” and emphasized that the hospital’s coordinates had been shared with all parties to the conflict. Mamman Mustapha, MSF’s Head of Mission in South Sudan, stressed, “This was not an accident. The hospital is clearly marked. They know us, and they continued shelling on the civilian population”.
The organization called for an immediate end to the bombing, protection of civilians, and respect for healthcare facilities, urging all armed actors to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law.
Context: Renewed Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The attack comes as South Sudan faces renewed political and ethnic violence following the collapse of a fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and First Vice-President Riek Machar. The United Nations has warned that the country is on the brink of another civil war, with recent clashes resulting in hundreds of deaths and mass displacement.
The motives behind the targeting of the hospital remain unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility. South Sudan’s military has not commented on the incident.
Humanitarian Impact
The destruction of the Old Fangak hospital is a significant blow to a region already struggling with limited access to healthcare. The loss of the only hospital and its pharmacy leaves over 110,000 people without life-saving medical services, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation.
