 says it is “deeply alarmed” by renewed violence in Adong Payam, Upper Nile State, where an attack by armed groups on 14 November left dozens dead and many others wounded.){kind=link}
By: Ginaba Lino
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says it is “deeply alarmed” by renewed violence in Adong Payam, Upper Nile State, where an attack by armed groups on 14 November left dozens dead and many others wounded.
According to MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, Zakaria Mwatia, medical teams have so far received more than 50 wounded patients, including five in critical condition who required urgent surgical intervention.
In coordination with the Ministry of Health, MSF teams at Malakal Teaching Hospital confirmed three deaths among those brought to the facility. Humanitarian partners report at least 60 fatalities and 66 injuries, with 30 patients in need of specialized surgical care.
“With many people still reported missing, we expect the number of wounded to rise,” Mwatia said. “We call for the protection of civilians and for free, unhindered access to all wounded so they can receive the urgent medical care they need.”
MSF warns that escalating insecurity in Upper Nile is worsening an already fragile humanitarian situation. Aid agencies say persistent violence risks cutting off vulnerable communities from lifesaving assistance while placing additional pressure on limited medical services.
“The increasing insecurity is already disrupting aid delivery, and continued threats could leave even more people without access to essential healthcare,” Mwatia added.
MSF reiterated its commitment to providing impartial, life-saving medical assistance to all affected populations but stressed that its operations rely on respect for humanitarian principles.
“Our ability to respond must not be jeopardized by violence,” Mwatia said. “We urge all armed groups to spare civilians and ensure unhindered access to healthcare.”