Conflict in Greater Upper Nile impeding humanitarian aid: MSF

October 19, 2022 (MALAKAL) – Violent conflict in South Sudan’s Upper Nile and Greater Fangak has led to deaths and injuries of hundreds of people, and displaced tens of thousands from their homes during the past two months, a medical charity said.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), in a statement, said situation has been worsened by catastrophic flooding making it hard to deliver essential and life-saving assistance.

“The last movement we’ve been able to make on the White Nile River was in late August. This is affecting our ability to even maintain regular services at our hospital in Old Fangak, as supplies of medicine, fuel and food to the hospital are also transported using barges along the river,” said Aline Serin, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan.

“With no guarantee of a safe passage, it is unclear when the next movement can resume,” she added.

According to the international medical charity, initial fighting began in Panyikang and Fangak counties in July, but escalated into heavy conflict by mid-August. In September, it noted in its statement, armed groups intentionally targeted a makeshift displacement camp in Adidhiang, where mostly women and young children had sought refuge.

Recent clashes in Diel and Fashoda County also displaced thousands of people.

Reports say the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site in Malakal is overwhelmed with new arrivals, with over 18,000 people seeking safety in the camp. Prior to this, the PoC already hosted about 34,000 and the sudden surge of people is pushing services to the brink.

The hospital that MSF operate in the PoC has, in recent weeks, seen a sharp increase in emergency room consultations, including victims of the armed violence in Upper Nile.

MSF urged the warring groups to provide assurances of safety for humanitarian access to enable organisations to deliver medical services and distribute aid to prevent more deaths and suffering of innocent civilians.

(ST)