By Bunmi Yekini
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has strongly condemned the armed looting of its hospital and facilities in Ulang, Upper Nile State, South Sudan. The attack, which occurred on the morning of April 14, forced the suspension of all medical services at the only functioning hospital in the area.
Dozens of armed men stormed the MSF hospital and office in Ulang town, threatening medical staff and looting vital supplies and equipment. The incident has left the community, already facing an escalating cholera outbreak and limited access to healthcare, without critical medical support.
“We are outraged by the attack on our hospital and the threats against our medical staff in Ulang,” said Zakariya Mwatia, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan. “This facility has been a lifeline for the community at a time of escalating violence and an active cholera outbreak. Such attacks on hospitals and healthcare workers are completely unacceptable.”
Violence had been approaching Ulang town since the night of April 13, prompting over 100 patients to flee the hospital in fear, including those receiving trauma care, maternity and pediatric services. Some stayed as long as possible but ultimately had to escape when armed men began looting the facility room by room.
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Although no injuries to MSF staff have been reported, the organization remains deeply concerned about the safety of its teams and patients. “We are taking all necessary measures to evacuate our teams as we fear further escalation of violence,” Mwatia said. “This unacceptable act of violence shows a complete disregard for humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.”
The attack is part of a pattern of rising insecurity in the region. In January 2025, armed men attacked two clearly marked MSF boats carrying six staff returning to Ulang after delivering supplies to Nasir County Hospital, forcing MSF to halt all outreach activities.
Since 2018, MSF has operated a 60-bed hospital and primary healthcare services in Ulang. In 2024 alone, the facility recorded over 10,000 outpatient consultations, 3,284 inpatient admissions, and assisted 650 maternal deliveries. Its closure now leaves the region without a single functioning health facility.
The suspension also halts MSF’s support to several primary health centers across the region, disrupting efforts to control the cholera outbreak and cutting off care for over 800 patients living with HIV, tuberculosis, and other chronic illnesses.
“MSF remains committed to providing impartial, lifesaving care wherever it is needed, but the safety of patients and health workers must be guaranteed,” Mwatia emphasized.