Juba: Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has reported that 26 humanitarian workers have gone missing following clashes in South Sudan's Jonglei state, as reported by local media. Among the 291 MSF staff in Lankien and Pieri towns, many evacuated the hospital due to warnings of a possible attack and are now taking refuge in remote areas with their families, facing limited access to essential resources.

According to Anadolu Agency, MSF stated that the violence has halted all medical services in Lankien and Pieri, leaving around 250,000 people without healthcare. '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 head of mission for the medical charity in South Sudan. He emphasized that medical workers should never be targets, highlighting the severe impact of the violence on healthcare services and those who sustain them.

South Sudan, having gained independence in July 2011, descended into civil war in December 2013 following President Salva Kiir Mayardit's dismissal of then-Vice President Machar over an alleged coup plot. Despite a 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, has intensified since December in northern Jonglei, further straining the fragile peace.

The tensions that escalated in 2025 have exposed deep divisions within the transitional government formed under the 2018 peace deal. Initial clashes were reported in January in Western Equatoria State before spreading north. Suspended First Vice President Machar, under house arrest since last March, is facing serious charges, including murder, treason, and crimes against humanity.