Médecins Sans Frontières has suspended its medical operations in Yei, South Sudan, after an attack on its personnel. Armed men forcibly removed staff from a vehicle, leading to the looting of MSF property, prompting concerns for safety and repeated incidents affecting operations in the region. Iqbal Huda emphasized the necessity for guarantees of safety before resuming outreach to impacted communities.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), widely recognized as Doctors Without Borders, announced on Tuesday the suspension of its medical operations in Yei, South Sudan. This decision follows a violent incident involving MSF personnel that took place on Friday, 20th September, where armed assailants forcibly removed staff from their vehicle at gunpoint, leading to the looting of MSF vehicles. While two staff members were released unharmed, two others were taken hostage and managed to escape 24 hours later. MSF has been active in the conflict-affected region since 1983, providing essential medical services to displaced populations and remote communities alike. The organization revealed that this recent attack marks the third incident involving threats to its personnel within a mere three-month timeframe, significantly disrupting its ability to deliver critical medical assistance. MSF underscored that resuming its activities hinges on the provision of concrete assurances regarding the safety of its staff. Iqbal Huda, the MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, stated, “As a result of the attack, our outreach movements and activities to communities surrounding Yei and Morobo have been suspended until we can have concrete guarantees that medical, humanitarian services and lifesaving work can continue unhindered in the area.” The humanitarian landscape in South Sudan remains deeply concerning, particularly due to the escalating violence against humanitarian workers. The country’s economic turmoil has been exacerbated by ongoing civil strife stemming from the 2018 conflict and persistent inter-group violence, further impeding access to healthcare services.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has operated in South Sudan since 1983, focusing on delivering healthcare in a nation marked by conflict and instability. The organization’s commitment to assisting displaced individuals and vulnerable communities has become increasingly challenging due to a rising trend of violence against humanitarian workers. Despite the significant humanitarian needs, including compounded issues from a prolonged civil war and acute economic difficulties, MSF has continued to provide critical medical assistance. However, the safety and security of their personnel remain paramount, prompting MSF to take drastic measures such as suspending operations in response to threats and attacks.
In summary, MSF’s decision to suspend medical activities in Yei, South Sudan, following a violent attack on staff, highlights the precarious nature of humanitarian work in the region. This incident, among others in recent months, underscores the urgent need for improved security measures to ensure the protection of healthcare workers and the delivery of critical medical services to those in need. Until safety can be guaranteed, the organization remains committed to reassessing its ability to operate effectively in the area.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
