From Adia Jildo, in Juba
The United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan on Tuesday condemned recent attacks on humanitarian agencies including the bombing of a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Old Fangak, Jonglei State.
The UN described the act as an atrocious crime that may constitute a grave breach of international humanitarian law and a war crime.
Médecins Sans Frontières pharmacy was bombed on Saturday leaving 7 dead and several other injured including destruction of property.
“This was not a tragic accident. It was a calculated, unlawful attack on a protected medical facility. The aerial bombing of the MSF hospital in Old Fangak is a flagrant war crime, under international law,” said Yasmin Sooka, Chair of the Commission.
“Targeting medical facilities and services violates the Geneva Conventions and represents a direct assault on foundations of humanitarian action that are intended to protect civilians in conflict zones. Those responsible must be identified, investigated and held accountable without delay”, she stated.
“The attack destroyed critical medical infrastructure, and the hospital’s pharmacy, cutting off tens of thousands from critical lifesaving care,” read a statement by the UN commission on Human Rights.
Aerial bombarment was also carried out in the Phom area of New Fangak in the early hours of 5 May 2025, where bombs reportedly fell between an INGO compound and the County Commissioner’s office.
The commmission stated that the recent aerial bombardment are planned therefore not an isolated incident.
The spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) had warned of punitive aerial bombardment of areas following vessels that were hijacked at Adok Port in Leer County.
“This strike does not seem to be an isolated incident—it occurred in the context of escalating ethnic profiling, unlawful detentions, and a hardening of positions within the political and military elite,” said Commissioner Barney Afako. “Designating the entire community of Fangak as hostile is deeply irresponsible and may amount to incitement of reprisals and collective punishment. This practice must end, and such designations must be rescinded immediately.”
The bombing of the health facility is expected to affect over 40,000 as medical supplies and the facility have full been destroyed cutting off health services to the population.
“The targeting of medical facilities is not only unlawful – it is inhumane,” said Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández. “Hospitals must be protected spaces, not battlegrounds. What happened in Old Fangak is symptomatic of a growing impunity and disregard for human life that must be urgently addressed.”
The Commission urged the visiting delegations of the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to press for the protection of civilians, and for accountability, and to urge signatories to the Agreement to return to political dialogue.
The Commission further warned that repeated violations of the cessation of hostilities threatens the country’s stability and could return the country to another war.
“The path South Sudan is currently on is perilous,” Sooka warned. “If attacks like these continue with impunity, the Peace Agreement risks becoming meaningless,” he said.
