By Philip Buda Ladu
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has condemned ongoing airstrikes in Fangak, Jonglei State, resulting in civilian deaths, injuries, displacement, and the destruction of humanitarian property.
This condemnation comes as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) announced on Tuesday the difficult decision to reduce its critical outreach medical activities around Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, due to increasing insecurity.
The UN mission in a statement highlighted that on May 3rd, aerial bombardments in Old Fangak led to the deaths of seven civilians and injured approximately 27 others.
The airstrike also destroyed a Médecins Sans Frontières pharmacy, cutting off vital medical supplies.
Further violence occurred Tuesday morning in New Fangak, where an airstrike near a World Food Programme warehouse damaged a dyke crucial for protecting the local population from floods UMISS reported.
“Such violence against civilians and clearly marked humanitarian facilities is unacceptable,” stated Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative for UNMISS.
“These attacks constitute a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law. Vitally, they contravene the Revitalized Peace Agreement and severely undermine ongoing efforts to establish durable peace in South Sudan.” He added.
Cong called on all involved parties to prioritize civilian protection by recommitting to the Peace Agreement and the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, urging an immediate ceasefire.
He also pressed South Sudanese authorities to investigate these incidents and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
The escalating insecurity highlighted by UNMISS is also impacting the delivery of essential medical aid.
MSF announced Tuesday that it is reducing its outreach medical activities around Yei, Central Equatoria State, until further notice.
These activities provide a critical lifeline for people in remote areas with limited or no access to healthcare.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact this reduction will have on vulnerable communities,” MSF stated in its press release, extended to No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper.
The medical charity organization urged all parties to the conflict to ensure the protection of civilians and guarantee unhindered access to medical and humanitarian assistance for all people.
These developments follow Tuesday’s strong condemnation by the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan of the deliberate aerial bombing of the MSF hospital in Old Fangak as a potential war crime. The Commission urged an immediate halt to hostilities across the country.
UNMISS emphasized that it continues to engage with all stakeholders, including national and state authorities, security actors, uniformed personnel, community leaders, civil society organizations, as well as international and regional partners, to reduce tensions.
However, the continued violence and its impact on humanitarian operations paint a concerning picture for the already fragile situation in South Sudan.