Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) on Monday said it is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of its staff following the recent escalation of violence in Lankien and Pieri in Jonglei State.
A statement extended to Radio Tamazuj said twenty-six of the 291 MSF staff working in Lankien and Pieri remain unaccounted for following the recent violence, and that contact with them was lost amid ongoing insecurity.
“At the time of the fighting, staff had already evacuated the hospital compound due to rising tensions and information about a possible attack on the town. Communication networks in these areas are extremely limited, particularly for those who have fled into remote bush areas to seek safety,” the statement reads. “The loss of contact may be linked to the absence of connectivity. However, we are seriously concerned that some of our colleagues may be facing very difficult conditions that prevent them from communicating with us.”
“Many of our staff were forced to flee the violence alongside their families, several are now displaced, sheltering in remote areas with little access to food, water, or basic services,” the statement added.
According to MSF, beyond the suspension of medical activities, the crisis has directly affected the very health workers who were providing care to their communities.
“This violence has taken an unbearable toll not only on healthcare services but on the very people who kept them running. Medical workers must never be targets,” said Yashovardhan, Head of Mission in South Sudan. “We are deeply concerned about what has happened to our colleagues and the communities we serve. Where security conditions allow, we have initiated emergency support in areas where people have sought refuge. We are also taking steps to support our staff during this period.”
The ongoing insecurity has forced the suspension of all MSF medical activities in Lankien and Pieri, leaving approximately 250,000 people without access to healthcare.
“MSF is making every possible effort to re-establish contact with our missing colleagues and to support all affected staff and their families. The safety and security of our teams remain our highest priority,” the statement said. “MSF reiterates that medical facilities, patients, and healthcare workers must be protected at all times. Attacks on healthcare are unacceptable and deprive vulnerable communities of essential medical care.”