The Destruction of Fangak Hospital, South Sudan
Overview of the Crisis
On May 3, 2025, South Sudanese forces struck a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital and pharmacy in Old Fangak via aerial bombardment and drones. At least seven people were killed and 20 injured, and the attack destroyed the only healthcare facility serving approximately 110,000 people in a flood-displaced region.
Roots & Context
This attack occurred within the broader context of South Sudan's ongoing instability:
Escalating Political Tensions
The strike occurred amid escalating tensions following the March house arrest of Vice President Riek Machar—part of ongoing instability since the 2018 peace accord.
Post-Conflict Fragility
South Sudan continues to struggle with implementation of the 2018 peace agreement, with periodic flare-ups of violence and political disagreements.
War Crime Allegations
The UN Commission on Human Rights condemned the bombing as a deliberate attack on protected medical infrastructure that could constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law.
Humanitarian Impact
Loss of Critical Healthcare Access
The hospital was the sole medical facility in Fangak, providing emergency, maternal, pediatric, and malnutrition care. Its destruction leaves 110,000 people—many flood-displaced—with no local medical access.
Increased Health Risks
The loss of healthcare access worsens risks of preventable maternal and child mortality, disease outbreaks, and untreated injuries in a region already vulnerable due to flooding and displacement.
Chilling Effect on Aid Operations
The bombing has created a chilling effect on aid groups, prompting MSF to suspend services and triggering broader operational withdrawals from humanitarian organizations.
This attack on a hospital treating wounded civilians and sick children is unconscionable and a violation of international humanitarian law.
International Response
MSF, the UN, and human rights bodies condemned the strike, urging an independent investigation and accountability. The international community has called for protecting humanitarian workers and reaffirming that hospitals are entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions.
There are growing demands to ensure no impunity for attacks on medical facilities, with calls for those responsible to be held accountable under international law.
Hospitals and medical facilities must be protected. This deliberate attack on healthcare infrastructure cannot go unpunished.
Urgent Priority Needs
Immediate action is required to address this humanitarian crisis:
- Independent Investigation: Thorough investigation into the attack to establish accountability and prevent future incidents.
- Emergency Healthcare Restoration: Immediate establishment of alternative medical facilities to serve the 110,000 affected population.
- Protection of Medical Facilities: Stronger enforcement of international humanitarian law protecting healthcare infrastructure.
- Humanitarian Access Guarantees: Safe passage and protection assurances for aid organizations to resume operations.
- Political Stability Measures: Renewed commitment to the 2018 peace accord and de-escalation of political tensions.
Key Statistics
Data updated from verified sources
Quick Facts
Location
Old Fangak, South Sudan
Attack Date
May 3, 2025
Facility Type
MSF Hospital & Pharmacy
Support Organizations
International Committee of the Red Cross
Providing emergency assistance, healthcare, and protection services in South Sudan.