7th February 2025
Make a Donation

MSF suspends movements in Ulang, Nasir after attack on boats delivering medicines

Author: Nyathong William | Published: January 16, 2025

An MSF speed boat leaves Toch to deliver hepatitis E vaccines to the MSF hospital in Old Fangak, Jonglei State.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said it has suspended all movements for outreach activities in Nasir and Ulang counties in Upper Nile State due to an armed attack on two of its clearly marked boats that injured a staff on Wednesday.

In a statement on Thursday, MSF strongly condemned the armed attack on its river vessels delivering humanitarian supplies.

MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, Zakaria Mwatia, said the boats carrying six of its staff members were sailing back to Ulang after delivering essential medical supplies to Nasir County Hospital.

Mr. Mwatia stated that this attack puts the safety of humanitarian workers at risk and disrupts the delivery of critical medical aid to those in need.

He said unidentified gunmen opened fire on the ferries, forcing the MSF staff to jump into the river and swim to safety in a nearby village.

Mr. Mwatia narrates that one of the staff sustained an injury while escaping the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment.

He added that while all staff have safely arrived in Ulang, the attack is a serious violation of humanitarian principles and international law.

“Such attacks on healthcare workers are unacceptable and highlight the volatile environment in which humanitarian organizations operate in South Sudan,” he stated.

“The people living in Nasir and Ulang counties already face limited access to healthcare and the impact of such violence further jeopardizes the delivery of essential medical services, placing them at increased risk.”

MSF calls for immediate measures to ensure the safety and protection of humanitarian workers and the unimpeded delivery of essential medical care to those in need.

South Sudan remained one of the most dangerous countries for humanitarian workers in 2024, according to the United Nation’s Humanitarian Agency (OCHA) in in the country.

OCHA said aid organizations and workers are often compounded with access constraints, hampering efforts to deliver urgent, life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable populations.

 

Support Eye Radio, the first independent radio broadcaster of news, information & entertainment in South Sudan.

Make a monthly or a one off contribution.

Breaking News

South Sudan declares Mpox outbreak

Read more...
Share