Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has suspended all medical operations in Yei River and Morobo counties of Central Equatoria State following the abduction of one of its staff members.
Through a press conference on Tuesday, the MSF said that the latest abduction occurred during an evacuation mission from Morobo to Yei amid escalating insecurity in the region.
Armed men intercepted a four-vehicle MSF convoy, forcibly removed the team leader, and dragged him into nearby bushland.
The rest of the convoy and staff were allowed to proceed safely to Yei and the staff member was released several hours later.
“This targeted attack is outrageous,” said Dr. Ferdinand Atte, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan.
“Attacks on humanitarian workers serving the most vulnerable members of society must stop. While we are deeply committed to providing care to those in need, we cannot keep our staff working in an unsafe environment.” He said
This incident follows closely on the heels of another abduction involving Ministry of Health staff from an MSF ambulance on the same road underscoring a disturbing pattern of attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel in the region.
In the past three months alone, Morobo County has seen multiple violent incidents targeting aid workers and health infrastructure.
These include forced abductions, torching, violent hospital lootings, and extensive damage to facilities.
At least seven abductions of aid workers have been reported.
“We demand accountability and concrete guarantees from authorities and all parties involved in the conflict, including armed groups operating in Morobo and Yei River counties,” said Dr. Ferdinand.
“Safe and unhindered access to communities in need, and the protection of civilians and healthcare workers, are non-negotiable prerequisites for the resumption of our operations.”He stressed.
MSF’s withdrawal is a major blow to remote and underserved communities in the two counties, where humanitarian access is limited by poor infrastructure and insecurity.
Between January and June 2025, MSF supported four Ministry of Health facilities in the region, conducted 14,500 outpatient consultations, 1,192 antenatal visits, and assisted 438 maternal deliveries.
Today’s decision marks the second time in three months that MSF has scaled down or suspended activities in the area. In May, services were already reduced due to worsening insecurity.
All MSF operations in IDP camps in Morobo have also been halted.
“MSF is one of the few medical organizations still providing healthcare support in this area,”adding, “When attacks like these occur, it is the local population who suffer most. Their access to critical healthcare is now severely compromised.” Dr. Ferdinand emphasized.
The suspension adds to a growing list of MSF project closures across South Sudan amid a wave of violence targeting healthcare workers and facilities.
In January, unidentified gunmen opened fire on clearly marked MSF boats in Upper Nile State, injuring a staff member.
On April 14, armed men looted MSF’s hospital in Ulang, forcing a full closure and cutting off healthcare for over 150,000 people.
On May 3, airstrikes targeted MSF’s facility in Old Fangak, Jonglei State, destroying its pharmacy and killing at least seven civilians. Four MSF staff were among the wounded.
MSF says it remains committed to South Sudan but calls for urgent action to ensure the safety of humanitarian workers and those they serve.
