UN Condemns Aerial Bombing of MSF Hospital in South Sudan as War Crime

The United Nations Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has issued a forceful condemnation following the deliberate aerial bombing of a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) hospital in Old Fangak, Jonglei State. The Commission describes the attack, which occurred early Saturday morning on May 3, 2025, as a grave breach of international humanitarian law that could amount to a war crime and an atrocity crime.

The bombing completely obliterated the only major healthcare facility in the area, leaving at least seven civilians dead and many more injured, including patients, caregivers, and medical staff. Among the casualties were women and children who were receiving lifesaving care at the time. The hospital’s pharmacy and critical medical infrastructure were also destroyed, effectively severing access to healthcare for over 40,000 people in the region.

Following the attack, credible reports confirmed continued aerial strikes on May 5, 2025, in the Phom area of New Fangak. Explosives were reportedly dropped dangerously close to a compound housing an international non-governmental organization (NGO) and the County Commissioner’s office. These follow-up bombings have intensified fears of systematic targeting of civilians and humanitarian actors.

A Calculated Attack on Protected Facilities

UN Commission Chair Yasmin Sooka did not mince words, calling the bombing “a calculated, unlawful attack on a protected medical facility.” She stressed that such actions represent “a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law,” specifically contravening the Geneva Conventions, which protect hospitals and humanitarian services in conflict zones.

“This was not a tragic accident,” Sooka stated. “Targeting medical facilities and services violates the Geneva Conventions and represents a direct assault on foundations of humanitarian action. Those responsible must be identified, investigated, and held accountable without delay.”

Escalating Political and Ethnic Tensions

The attack followed a May 2, 2025, statement by the spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), threatening retaliatory military action if hijacked vessels at Adok Port in Leer County were not released. The SSPDF explicitly warned of aerial and riverine operations as punitive measures. Notably, this warning was issued shortly after the Government’s controversial categorization of certain counties — primarily those inhabited by the Nuer ethnic group — as “hostile.” Fangak, a Nuer-majority area, was one of nine counties labeled as such in an official document titled The Strategic Response of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) to the Nasir Incident.

Commissioner Barney Afako warned that these ethnic designations could be construed as collective punishment and incitement to reprisals. “Designating the entire community of Fangak as hostile is deeply irresponsible,” he said. “It may amount to incitement and must be rescinded immediately.”

Devastation for Vulnerable Communities

MSF confirmed the hospital’s total destruction and the loss of vital medical supplies, which has left already-displaced and traumatized populations with no access to healthcare, including emergency and maternal services. MSF has long been one of the few organizations delivering critical health services in this conflict-ridden region.

Commissioner Carlos Castresana Fernández emphasized the inhumanity of the attack: “The targeting of medical facilities is not only unlawful—it is inhumane. 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.”

A Threat to Peace and Transition

The UN Commission warned that this attack signals a dangerous escalation in violence and poses a direct threat to the country’s fragile peace process. The Revitalized Peace Agreement, which has seen only partial implementation, now faces renewed jeopardy.

The Commission called on visiting delegations from the African Union Commission (AUC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), currently in Juba, to press for immediate civilian protections and accountability measures. The presence of these regional bodies should serve as a catalyst for urgent political engagement, urging signatories to return to dialogue.

“The path South Sudan is currently on is perilous,” Sooka warned. “If attacks like these continue with impunity, the Peace Agreement risks becoming meaningless. The AU, IGAD and the international community must respond decisively.”

Calls for International Action

In light of these developments, the Commission reiterated its appeal for the international community to support independent investigations and ensure justice for the victims. The UN emphasized that sustained impunity will only embolden further violations, leading to wider-scale atrocities and further destabilization of South Sudan.

As tensions mount and ethnic divisions deepen, the international community now faces a pivotal moment. The response to this attack will not only shape the future of accountability in South Sudan but may also determine whether the nation spirals into another devastating conflict or moves toward reconciliation and peace.