Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced the suspension of its operations in two South Sudanese counties following an attack on its staff by unidentified gunmen. The incident occurred on Wednesday when six MSF employees were traveling by boat in Upper Nile State, located in the northeastern region of the country. The staff were returning from a medical supply delivery when they came under fire from the assailants.
In a statement, MSF confirmed that the attack forced the staff to jump into the river to escape the gunfire, swimming to a nearby village for safety. One of the workers sustained an injury during the escape, though further details on their condition were not immediately provided.
This assault underscores the ongoing challenges faced by humanitarian workers in South Sudan, a country grappling with severe instability, widespread violence, and significant humanitarian needs. The security situation has worsened due to ongoing conflicts, compounded by the devastating impacts of extreme flooding and the arrival of thousands of refugees fleeing the conflict in neighboring Sudan.
MSF’s decision to suspend operations in these counties highlights the escalating risks faced by aid organizations operating in volatile regions, as well as the difficulty in providing essential services in conflict zones. South Sudan, which has been plagued by civil unrest since its independence in 2011, remains one of the world’s most challenging environments for humanitarian work.
