South Sudan

MSF Demands Protection for Hospitals and Healthcare Workers

Published

1 week ago

April 13, 2025

MSF Demands Protection for Hospitals and Healthcare Workers

Urgent Call to Protect Civilians in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has issued an urgent call to all parties involved in the conflict in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state to respect and protect civilians, healthcare workers, and medical facilities. The international medical organization highlighted the critical need to uphold international humanitarian law as violence and displacement escalate in the region.

The Critical Situation in Upper Nile State

MSF teams are currently providing vital, life-saving medical services in some of the few remaining functional health facilities in Upper Nile. This includes crucial support to hospitals in Ulang and Malakal town, where they are witnessing a growing influx of patients suffering from violence-related injuries, alongside a concerning cholera outbreak. The organization is also bolstering the capacity of several primary healthcare centers, including Doma, Mandeng, Kuich, Galachel, Baliet, and Khorfulus.

The Impact of Violence and Cholera Outbreak

Despite the ongoing violence and displacement, many people, including women, children, and the elderly, have remained in their villages and towns in Ulang and Malakal counties. In a context where functioning health facilities are already limited, the few remaining hospitals are a lifeline for people in the area. The combination of the escalating cholera outbreak and the prevailing insecurity, coupled with limited access to clean water and sanitation, is exacerbating the already precarious situation for communities.

MSF’s Response to the Crisis

Since February, Ulang hospital alone has treated over 430 cholera patients, underscoring its critical role as the only functioning health facility in the area. In recent weeks, MSF teams in Ulang and Malakal have attended to over 230 individuals, including women and children, with injuries directly linked to the violence. Simultaneously, MSF continues its regular life-saving medical activities, with over 200 patients currently receiving treatment in Malakal and Ulang hospitals.

Providing Impartial Medical Assistance

As an independent organization, MSF provides medical care to everyone in need—regardless of their affiliation—in a neutral and impartial manner. In the past two weeks alone, MSF medical teams have conducted 240 outpatient consultations, 97 antenatal care visits, 47 emergency room consultations, and assisted with 30 deliveries. The organization expressed its deep concern regarding the ongoing violence in Upper Nile state, which has already displaced thousands and is severely hindering access to essential healthcare.

Beyond Ulang and Malakal

Beyond Ulang and Malakal, MSF teams are also actively delivering medical services in Renk County within Upper Nile. Additionally, the organization is working in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area and across various locations in Jonglei State, including Akobo, where they continue to support communities affected by the ongoing cholera outbreak.

Conclusion

The situation in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state is dire, with thousands displaced and limited access to essential healthcare. The rapid spread of the cholera outbreak further compounds this crisis, placing even more lives at risk. MSF’s urgent call to protect civilians, healthcare workers, and medical facilities is crucial in upholding international humanitarian law and ensuring that medical care is accessible to all those in need. As the situation continues to escalate, it is essential that all parties involved respect and protect the rights of civilians and healthcare workers, and that humanitarian organizations like MSF are able to continue providing life-saving medical services without obstruction.

South Sudan

Police Deployed For Easter Security

Published

7 hours ago

April 21, 2025

Peter James

Security Plans for Easter Celebrations

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Gen. Abraham Manyuat Peter, has announced strong security plans to ensure a safe and enjoyable Easter celebration for Christians. The plans include the deployment of police forces to strategic areas to prevent criminal activities.

Deployment of Police Personnel

Gen. Manyuat spoke to journalists during the deployment of police personnel, emphasizing his commitment to protecting the public during the Easter celebrations. He noted that many criminals take advantage of such times to commit crimes, and the deployment of police is intended to prevent this.

Protecting People and Property

The IGP explained that during Easter, many people leave their homes to attend church services and celebrations, making them vulnerable to theft and robbery. He warned that thieves and criminals might target women and traders in their shops, and assured that police personnel would be deployed in areas suspected to be hotspots to prevent such crimes.

Cooperation with the Public

Gen. Manyuat urged the public to cooperate with the police and warned against engaging in criminal activities. He also advised the deployed police forces to establish good relationships with the public and to work with civilians in a respectful manner. The IGP appealed to police officers to remain disciplined and take full responsibility for ensuring the public’s safety.

Youth and Believers Urged to Cease Violence

The IGP urged the youth and believers to engage in meaningful activities during Easter, rather than resorting to violence. He emphasized the importance of maintaining law and order during the celebrations.

Background on Easter

Easter is a significant holiday in the Christian calendar, honoring the Resurrection of Jesus three days after His death by crucifixion. It marks the joyful conclusion to the Lenten season of devoted prayer, fasting, and penitence.

Police Reform Efforts

Recently, Gen. Manyuat outlined his plans to transform the police force into a professional and decent law enforcement agency. He emphasized the need for police officers to operate effectively, respond promptly to incidents, and utilize available resources to maintain law and order. The IGP also plans to promote ethical conduct, discipline, and respect for human rights within the police force to foster public trust and improve community relations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Inspector General of Police has taken significant steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable Easter celebration for Christians. The deployment of police personnel to strategic areas, combined with efforts to promote cooperation with the public and reform the police force, demonstrates a commitment to maintaining law and order during the celebrations. By working together, the police and the public can ensure a peaceful and joyful Easter season.

South Sudan

South Sudan Army Retakes Control Of Nasir Town

Published

14 hours ago

April 20, 2025

Peter James

South Sudan Army Retakes Control Of Nasir Town

Recent Developments in South Sudan

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) announced on Sunday evening that they have regained control of Nasir town, the capital of Upper Nile State’s Nasir County. This announcement was made by the army spokesman, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, through a statement.

Background of the Conflict

Nasir, located 180 kilometers southeast of Malakal, was seized by Nuer ethnic armed youth, known as the White Army, in early March. This takeover occurred after an SSPDF attempt to disarm local residents. The White Army is an armed youth group that fought alongside the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) during the 2013-2018 civil war.

Recapture of Nasir Town

The recapture of Nasir town by the SSPDF is a significant development in the region. According to the army spokesman, Lul Ruai Koang, the army had retaken the town, but he provided no further details on the circumstances of the recapture. Koang described the recapture of Nasir as "the greatest Easter Holidays gift for servicemen who had paid the ultimate price during its defense and recapture."

Reaction from the White Army

There was no immediate comment from the White Army regarding the recapture of Nasir town. The SSPDF spokesman stated that the military would release further information about the recapture.

Previous Developments

The announcement of the recapture of Nasir town comes days after the military reported taking control of Ulang County headquarters following a withdrawal by armed youth. This indicates that the SSPDF is making efforts to regain control of areas that were previously taken over by armed groups.

Conclusion

The recapture of Nasir town by the SSPDF is a significant development in the region, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold in the coming days. The lack of comment from the White Army suggests that the situation is still volatile, and further clashes may occur. The SSPDF’s efforts to regain control of areas taken over by armed groups are ongoing, and the situation in South Sudan remains complex and unpredictable.

South Sudan

SSPDF Advances on Nasir Amid Fears of Fresh Violence

Published

21 hours ago

April 20, 2025

Peter James

SSPDF Advances on Nasir Amid Fears of Fresh Violence

Recent Developments in South Sudan

The situation in South Sudan is becoming increasingly tense as the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) are advancing toward Nasir County. This move is raising fears of renewed clashes with local armed youth known as the White Army.

Background Information

Ulang and Nasir counties share a border in Upper Nile State, roughly 400 kilometers (250 miles) north of the state capital, Malakal. The SSPDF’s withdrawal from Ulang County on Sunday morning has led to concerns about potential violence in the region.

The Withdrawal from Ulang County

Manpiny Pal Juach, the White Army-appointed commissioner of Ulang, reported that SSPDF forces and allied militia left Ulang’s headquarters around 8 a.m., heading toward Nasir. During their three-day stay in Ulang, they killed a mentally ill man, who was buried on Friday. Juach also accused the SSPDF of killing several cattle and said Ulang’s youth had withdrawn before their arrival, leaving the area empty.

Airstrike in Ulang

An airstrike in Ulang on Sunday killed two women and a child around 10 a.m. Multiple sources on the ground confirmed the SSPDF’s departure from Ulang. Upper Nile State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Mayen Akol said the SSPDF’s planned destination was their base in Nasir.

Tensions in Nasir

Tensions in Nasir have been high since mid-February, with sporadic clashes between the SSPDF and the White Army, a Nuer armed youth group the government claims is linked to detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar. Violence escalated on March 4 when the White Army overran the Nasir garrison, forcing SSPDF forces to retreat.

Previous Incidents

On March 7, a United Nations evacuation mission came under fire, killing Nasir garrison commander Lt. Gen. David Majur Dak, his bodyguards, and a U.N. staff member. The situation in Nasir remains volatile, and the advance of the SSPDF toward the county is likely to exacerbate the tensions.

Conclusion

The advance of the SSPDF toward Nasir County has raised concerns about potential violence and clashes with the White Army. The situation in South Sudan remains complex and volatile, with multiple armed groups and factions involved. It is essential to monitor the situation closely and work towards a peaceful resolution to prevent further bloodshed and instability in the region.