Doctors Without Borders staff targeted in South Sudan river attack

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced on Thursday the suspension of its operations in two counties in South Sudan.

The decision follows a harrowing attack on six MSF staff members traveling by river in Upper Nile State.

The incident occurred on Wednesday as the team delivered essential hospital supplies to remote areas.

Unidentified gunmen opened fire on the boats, forcing the humanitarian workers to jump into the river to save their lives.

One staff member sustained injuries while swimming to safety in a nearby village, MSF confirmed in a statement.

“Such attacks on healthcare workers are unacceptable and underscore the volatile environment humanitarian organizations face in South Sudan,” said Zakaria Mwatia.

Mwatia, MSF’s head of mission for the country, stressed the impact of violence on already limited access to healthcare in the region.

Nasir and Ulang counties, the affected areas, are already grappling with inadequate medical services and severe humanitarian challenges.

As a result of the attack, MSF has halted all travel to these remote counties, further restricting aid delivery.

South Sudan, plagued by instability, violence, and poverty, continues to face compounded crises, including devastating floods and refugee influxes.

The suspension of MSF’s operations adds to the growing strain on vulnerable communities in desperate need of medical care.

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