MSF Hospital Bombed in Old Fangak: 7 Killed, 20 Injured

By Otto Abut

OLD FANGAK, SOUTH SUDAN – Seven people were killed and at least 20 others injured in a devastating bombing at a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Old Fangak on Saturday, May 3, 2025, the international medical humanitarian organization has confirmed.

According to MSF, the attack began at approximately 4:30 a.m. when two helicopter gunships dropped explosives on the hospital compound, igniting the MSF pharmacy and burning it to the ground. The gunships then continued firing on the town for about 30 minutes.

Mamman Mustapha, MSF’s Head of Mission in South Sudan, strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a direct assault on civilians and humanitarian infrastructure.

“We strongly condemn this attack, which took place despite the geolocations of all MSF structures, including Old Fangak Hospital, being shared with all parties to the conflict,” said Mustapha.

He confirmed that the hospital’s pharmacy, where all medical supplies for both inpatient care and outreach programs were stored, was destroyed.

“This has severely compromised our ability to provide essential medical care,” Mustapha added.

Old Fangak Hospital is the only functioning hospital in Fangak County, serving over 110,000 residents who already face significant barriers to accessing healthcare.

“We are still assessing the full extent of the damage, but it is clear this attack will further isolate communities and deny them lifesaving services,” said Mustapha. “We urge all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, which protects civilians, patients, medical staff, and health facilities from attack.”

This marks the second time in less than a month that MSF facilities have come under assault. On April 14, armed groups looted an MSF hospital in Ulang, Upper Nile State, leaving the entire population of Ulang County without access to secondary healthcare.