Government forces in South Sudan have attacked medical facilities operated by Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), disrupting critical healthcare access for hundreds of thousands of people. The attacks, which occurred on , targeted hospitals in Lankien and Pieri, both located in Jonglei state.
The MSF hospital in Lankien was struck by an airstrike during the night of . While the hospital was evacuated hours before the attack following increased tensions and warnings of a potential strike, the facility’s main warehouse was destroyed, resulting in the loss of most critical medical supplies. One MSF staff member sustained minor injuries. According to Gul Badshah, MSF operations manager, the organization had shared the GPS coordinates of all its facilities with the government prior to the attack and received confirmation that their locations were known.
“The Government of South Sudan armed forces are the only armed party with the capacity to perform aerial attacks in the country,” Badshah stated. The destruction of the warehouse significantly impacts MSF’s ability to provide medical care in the isolated region, leaving a population of approximately 250,000 without access to essential health services.
In a separate incident on the same day, the MSF healthcare centre in Pieri was looted by unknown assailants. This rendered the facility unusable for the local community. MSF staff from both Lankien and Pieri were forced to flee with the surrounding communities and their current whereabouts remain unknown as MSF attempts to re-establish communication.
The attacks come amidst increasing restrictions on humanitarian access imposed by the South Sudanese government in areas of Jonglei state controlled by opposition groups, beginning in December 2025. These restrictions have led to the suspension of all humanitarian flights to Lankien, Pieri, and Akobo, hindering the delivery of vital medical supplies and the transportation of healthcare personnel and patients. MSF has been compelled to reduce services at its facilities to only life-saving care.
MSF has been operating in South Sudan for 43 years, providing care to millions of patients across the country. The organization condemns the targeting of its facilities and personnel, stating We see unacceptable to be the target of attacks. “Although we are aware of the scale of needs in the country, MSF will do what is necessary to ensure the safety of its staff and health facilities in South Sudan,” Badshah said.
The recent attacks are not isolated incidents. Throughout 2025, MSF reported experiencing eight targeted attacks, leading to the closure of two hospitals in the Greater Upper Nile region and the suspension of general healthcare activities in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Central Equatoria states.
On , a drone attack on the Old Fangak market resulted in at least seven deaths and 20 injuries. Around 8:00 AM local time, MSF’s hospital in Old Fangak received approximately 20 wounded individuals, including four in critical condition. Mamman Mustapha, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, reported further casualties and injuries within the community.
The escalating violence and obstruction of humanitarian aid raise serious concerns about the well-being of vulnerable populations in Jonglei state. The disruption of healthcare services, coupled with existing challenges such as food insecurity and displacement, exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the region. The attacks on medical facilities not only endanger the lives of patients and staff but also undermine efforts to provide essential care to communities in need.
The situation highlights the ongoing instability and conflict in South Sudan, despite numerous peace agreements and international efforts to promote stability. The restrictions on humanitarian access and the targeting of medical facilities represent a significant setback for humanitarian operations and raise questions about the commitment of all parties to protecting civilians and ensuring access to essential services.
