Seven killed in bombing of hospital in South Sudan

On May 2, 2025, an attack occurred in South Sudan, specifically targeting a hospital and market in Old Fangak, Jonglei State. The medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirmed that helicopter gunships dropped bombs on their pharmacy, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people and injuring twenty others. This hospital was the only one serving over 110,000 residents in the area, and all medical supplies were destroyed in the assault. The attack sparked severe concerns about the potential resurgence of civil war in South Sudan, as tensions between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar continue to escalate. Recent months have seen increasing hostilities, including attacks on military bases and accusations of rebellion against Machar. The conflict in South Sudan has traditionally been divided along ethnic lines, primarily involving the Dinka and Nuer tribes, reflecting a long-standing historical animosity. Hours before the bombing, the head of the South Sudanese army threatened retribution for incidents involving militia forces linked to Machar, who has been under house arrest since March. The ongoing situation has led to fears that the country could erupt into all-out conflict, reminiscent of the devastating civil war that began in 2013 and resulted in an estimated 400,000 fatalities. This latest incident not only raises alarm about safety and humanitarian conditions but also highlights the international community's failure to address the underlying issues of governance and ethnic tension in South Sudan. The international response thus far has involved diplomatic pressure, with multiple countries urging the release of Machar and demanding an end to violence against civilians. MSF has denounced this attack as a clear violation of humanitarian law, calling on all involved parties to respect the protection of civilians and healthcare facilities.