At least seven people have been killed in a deadly attack on a hospital and a local market in South Sudan’s Jonglei state, sparking fears of a return to civil war in the country. The bombing, which took place in the town of Old Fangak, has drawn condemnation from international humanitarian organizations, with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) calling it a “clear violation of international humanitarian law.”
According to MSF, helicopter gunships dropped a bomb on the pharmacy of the hospital the charity runs, causing extensive damage and destroying medical supplies. The helicopters then fired on the town for 30 minutes before a drone targeted the nearby market. The attack resulted in 20 people being injured, while the hospital, the only healthcare facility in Fangak county, was left in ruins.
MSF spokesperson Mamman Mustapha confirmed that the hospital was clearly marked and its coordinates had been shared with all warring parties to ensure its protection. Local witnesses have indicated that the aircraft involved were government helicopters, though the South Sudanese government has yet to comment on the incident.
This bombing comes amid escalating tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar, raising concerns about the country’s stability. The ongoing conflict between these two political figures, who represent the country’s largest ethnic groups, has fueled fears of a return to full-scale civil war. In recent weeks, the UN has warned that South Sudan is “teetering on the brink” of renewed conflict.
The violence is exacerbated by the presence of numerous armed militias, many of which remain loyal to the two political leaders. Despite a peace deal reached in 2018 and the formation of a unity government, many of the promises, such as disbanding militias and holding elections, have not been realized. This attack on civilian areas, including the bombing of vital infrastructure like hospitals and markets, further highlights the dire situation facing South Sudan as the world watches with concern.
