Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has initiated the evacuation of essential staff members from its healthcare facility in Lankien town, Nyirol County, Jonglei State, South Sudan, in response to a significantly deteriorating and volatile security situation. Despite the necessary departure of key personnel, the facility is committed to remaining operational and will continue to deliver vital, lifesaving medical services to the local population.

A serious security incident occurred on December 29, when airstrikes impacted an area in close proximity to the MSF healthcare facility, the local market, and the airstrip. This airstrip is regularly utilized by MSF aircraft for critical medical referrals and the delivery of essential supplies. Despite the immediate danger posed by the bombing, MSF teams on the ground in Lankien demonstrated unwavering commitment by continuing to provide medical care to those affected in the subsequent days.

Following these airstrikes on December 29, MSF medical teams at the Lankien healthcare facility received 12 wounded patients. These patients included elderly men and women, as well as children. Tragically, one patient later succumbed to their injuries. The most frequently observed injuries among the patients were fractures and lacerations, indicative of the severe impact of the airstrikes.

In response to these grave events, Ibrahim Muhammad, MSF Head of Mission in South Sudan, reiterated a critical appeal: "MSF reiterates its call for the protection of medical facilities, healthcare workers, and patients, in accordance with international humanitarian law." Muhammad further emphasized, "MSF also calls for protection of civilians and timely referrals of critical patients out of Lankien," underscoring the urgent need for safe passage and medical evacuation for those in dire condition.

The current challenges faced by MSF in Lankien are part of a broader concerning trend in South Sudan. In 2025, MSF recorded at least eight distinct attacks on health facilities and workers across the country. These attacks have had severe consequences, leading to the closure of two hospitals and the suspension of basic healthcare activities in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Central Equatoria states, significantly hindering access to care for vulnerable communities.

MSF's commitment to the region is long-standing, having worked in what is now South Sudan since 1983. The country remains one of the organization's largest operational contexts globally. Currently, MSF operates in six states and two administrative areas across South Sudan, providing a wide array of essential healthcare services. In 2024 alone, MSF teams throughout the country conducted more than 800,000 outpatient consultations and provided inpatient care to 84,800 patients, highlighting the extensive reach and critical importance of their work.