26 humanitarian workers missing after clashes in South Sudan’s Jonglei state: Report

By Mevlut Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA)—Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has said 26 humanitarian workers have gone missing following clashes in South Sudan's Jonglei state, local media reported on Monday.

Among the 291 MSF staff in Lankien and Pieri towns, many who evacuated the hospital amid warnings of a possible attack are now sheltering in remote areas with their families, facing limited access to food, water, and basic services, MSF told Eye Radio news website.

MSF said violence has halted all medical services in Lankien and Pieri, leaving around 250,000 people without health care.

“Where security conditions allow, we have initiated emergency support in areas where people have sought refuge. We are also taking steps to support our staff during this period,” said Yashovardhan, the medical charity’s head of mission in South Sudan.

“This violence has taken an unbearable toll not only on health care services but on the very people who kept them running. Medical workers must never be targets,” Yashovardhan added.

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, gained independence in July 2011 but descended into civil war in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed then-Vice President Machar, accusing him of plotting a coup.

Despite the 2018 peace agreement and the formation of a transitional unity government, clashes and political tensions have persisted.

Fighting between the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Oyet Nathaniel, deputy chair of the SPLM-IO, has intensified since December in northern Jonglei.

Tensions escalated in 2025, exposing deep divisions within the transitional government formed under the 2018 peace deal. Clashes were first reported in January in Western Equatoria State before spreading north.​​​​​​​

Suspended First Vice President Machar has been under house arrest since last March and faces serious charges, including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.