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Medical Care Under Fire in South Sudan – MSF
JUBA – As entire towns in South Sudan suffer devastating attacks, medical care has also come under fire, with patients shot in their beds, wards burned to the ground, medical equipment looted, and, in one case, an entire hospital destroyed, the international medical humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) announced today. Hundreds of thousands of people have been effectively denied life-saving assistance.
MSF staff witnessed the gruesome aftermath of recent armed attacks and clashes in Malakal in Upper Nile State, discovering patients murdered inside the town’s Teaching Hospital. In another disturbing violation of medical structures since conflict erupted in mid-December 2013, an MSF team returned to Leer, in Unity State, and discovered the hospital thoroughly looted, burned and vandalised. Vast parts of the town appear to have been razed to the ground.
“Assaults on medical facilities and patients are part of a broader backdrop of brutal attacks on towns, markets and public facilities,” said Raphael Gorgeu, MSF head of mission. “These attacks show a complete lack of respect for medical care and deprive the most vulnerable of life-saving assistance just when they need it most.”
Scenes of horror in Malakal
On February 22, MSF teams discovered at least 14 dead bodies throughout the Malakal Teaching Hospital compound, scattered among 50 to 75 patients who remained in the facility, too weak or elderly to flee for safety. Several patients showed signs they had been shot dead while lying in their beds. Many of the hospital wards, including the therapeutic feeding center for malnourished children, had been burned, and general looting had clearly taken place throughout the hospital. MSF has evacuated several of the most severely ill patients to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) base in Malakal for treatment, 13 of whom were gunshot victims.
“Malakal is deserted, with houses burned throughout and countless dead bodies strewn in the streets,” said Carlos Francisco, MSF’s emergency coordinator in Malakal. “I can find no words to describe the brutality in Malakal, which has left in its wake a ransacked city and a thoroughly traumatised people.”
Some of the patients MSF evacuated to the UNMISS base recounted that armed groups entered the hospital on February 19 and shot dead people who had no money or mobile phones to hand over. Later that afternoon, armed men returned and killed patients in their beds and others who had fled to the operating theatre for safety, according to survivor testimonies. They also reportedly raped women and young girls.
Hundreds of thousands deprived of care in Leer
Hundreds of thousands of people have been cut off from critical, lifesaving medical care after Leer Hospital was ransacked and destroyed between the final days of January and early February.
When MSF staff were able to assess Leer Hospital following weeks of insecurity in the area, they discovered a horrific scene of equipment and buildings reduced to ash, drug vials smashed and strewn throughout the grounds, and sterilized surgical equipment broken and discarded everywhere. Drugs, patient beds, and other supplies were thoroughly looted. Not a hospital bed remains in the facility compound (see interactive guide displaying hospital destruction – email Heather Pagano for a copy).
“The people of Leer and throughout southern Unity State knew they could count upon MSF for critical medical care, and now that assurance is simply gone,” said Gorgeu. “The trust that is essential for us to carry out our work has been shattered, and the ultimate victims are the countless people who will suffer—and likely die—for want of medical care.”
The hospital in Leer, opened 25 years ago, was the only secondary healthcare facility in the region, constituting a critical lifeline for nearly 300,000 people in the surrounding area. In 2013 alone, more than 68,000 medical consultations were carried out, nearly 400 people underwent surgical care and 2,100 children were treated for malnutrition. Since December 15, when fighting erupted in South Sudan, and up to January 15, 2014, more than 4,000 consultations were carried out and nearly 170 surgeries were performed until the forced closure in late January.
“Leer is now empty of civilians who have fled continued insecurity and are living in terrible conditions in the bush, too terrified to return home,” said Sarah Maynard, MSF project coordinator for Leer. “But even if they were to come back tomorrow, or a month from now, they would return to ruins of their former home and no healthcare. This is catastrophic for the population.”
MSF’s 240 locally-hired staff remain hidden in the bush, struggling to treat patients with rapidly dwindling supplies. The staff report they are reusing wound dressings and trying desperately to assist the displaced who have grown more ill from drinking dirty river water and from eating water lilies for lack of food. MSF is exploring every avenue to provide healthcare to the displaced and resupply its staff.
“We must seriously consider if we can return to work in Leer Hospital,” said Gorgeu. “That will not only require significant investment of resources, but it will depend upon on unconditional respect from all parties for our medical facilities, staff, and patients, not only in southern Unity State but everywhere in the country.”
Disturbing pattern of medical care under fire in South Sudan
The atrocities in the hospital in Malakal and the destruction of Leer Hospital take place amidst a disturbing pattern of incidents affecting medical staff, patients, and MSF-supported facilities in South Sudan:
• In mid-January, armed men robbed and threatened staff at the MSF compound in Malakal, leading to a temporary suspension of MSF’s medical activities in the town.
• In mid January, the MSF compound in Bentiu, capital of Unity State, was looted amidst chaotic fighting in the town, which forced MSF staff to vacate Bentiu State Hospital and leave drugs and supplies with patients and their caretakers. Thousands of people had no access to healthcare for weeks in Bentiu town.
• Patients were reportedly killed in their beds in the hospital in Bor, capital of Jonglei State, during fighting in December 2013. In early February, MSF staff visited the hospital and discovered the decomposed corpses of a mother and child dumped in the facility’s water tank. While the hospital is today functional and well supplied, there are few patients in the wards since most of the town is empty.
“Medical care has come under fire in South Sudan,” said Gorgeu. “Rather than safe havens for treatment, hospitals are now targets of attack and brutality. They are places to fear rather than trust, a complete inversion of their purpose and role. Hundreds of thousands of people are in desperate need of shelter, food, water, and healthcare in South Sudan. The question is, how can effective, neutral aid be provided in a climate of utter disrespect and fear?”
The New African magazine has announced its highly anticipated list of the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024, recognizing exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to politics, business, science, sports, and civil society.
The annual compilation celebrates achievements by Africans on the continent and in the diaspora, reflecting the diversity and ingenuity of African talent.
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In a statement, Anver Versi, editor of the London-based magazine, emphasized the importance of the list in today’s divided global climate.
She said, “We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.
“The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad.
“Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.”
Spotlighting African Excellence Across Fields
Politics and Public Service
1. Bassirou Diomaye Faye
2. Kemi Badenoch
3. Muhammad Ali Pate
4. Claver Gatete
5. Ali Mohamed
6. King Mohamed VI
7. Ronald Lamola
8. Yemi Osinbajo
9. Nardos Bekele-Thomas
10. Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Business
11. Robins Tchale-Watchou
12. Fatima Tambajang
13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah
14. Samaila Zubairu
15. Thierno-Habib Hann
16. Akinwumi Adesina
17. Tariye Gbadegesin
18. Adebayo Ogunlesi
19. Wale Tinubu
20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy
23. Olugbenga Agboola
24. Alain Ebobissé
25. Tunde Olanrewaju
26. Nassef Sawiris
27. Aliko Dangote
28. Ismael Belkhayat
29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele
30. Jeremy Awori
31. Manuel Moses
32. Hassanein Hiridjee
33. Rene Awambeng
Civil Society
34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay
35. Mohamed Adow
36. Michael Kakande
37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
38. William Asiko
39. Eva Omaghomi
40. Nelson Amenya
41. Helmy Abouleish
42. Binaifer Nowrojee
Science and Academia
43. Elhadj As Sy
44. Chinasa T. Okolo
45. Tshilidzi Marwala
46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa
47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi
48. Rediet Abebe
49. Rachid Guerraoui
50. Abdoulaye Diabaté
51. Joy Buolamwini
52. Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
53. Miatta Fahnbulleh
54. Olajide Olatunji
55. Carlos Lopes
56. Zain Verjee
57. John-Allan Namu
58. Vera Songwe
59. Nesrine Malik
60. Tayo Aina
61. Thebe Ikalafeng
62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
63. Hannah Ryder
64. Ayman Mohyeldin
65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative Arts
66. Zineb Sedira
67. Rita Mawuena Benissan
68. Iansmith Mwenda
69. Idris Elba
70. Ken Wakia
71. Adejoké Bakare
72. Ayra Starr
73. Selma Feriani
74. DJ Edu
75. Eugene Mbugua
76. Chigozie Obioma
77. Kamel Daoud
78. Tesfaye Urgessa
79. Mehdi Qotbi
80. DBN Gogo
81. Yinka Ilori
82. Amina Lola Shoneyin
83. Ekow Eshun
84. Zhong FeiFei
85. Mati Diop
86. Hassan Hajjaj
87. Koyo Kouoh
88. Mo Harawe
89. Victoria Kimani
Sports
90. Patrice Motsepe
91. Letsile Tebogo
92. Imane Khelif
93. Tunde Onakoya
94. Gelson Fernandes
95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
96. Biniam Girmay
97. Ademola Lookman
98. Ruth Chepng’etich
99. Omar Berrada
100. Sifan Hassan
Prominent activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has alleged that over N180 million was stolen from the account of his NGO, the Martins Vincent Osei Initiative, following a cyberattack.
Otse, who launched the initiative in October, initially raised over N35 million within hours of its debut.
The campaign gained further momentum when celebrated music producer Michael Collins Ajereh, popularly known as Don Jazzy, contributed N100 million.
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In a video shared on Instagram on Friday, Otse disclosed that the NGO’s funds were diverted into an unknown account.
He said, “Honestly, I’ve not been myself for the past few days. Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and N180 million is missing. Thankfully, we’ve tracked the person, and one suspect has been arrested.”
Otse revealed that the NGO’s bank account has been placed on Post No Debit (PND) status to prevent further withdrawals.
According to him, while N20 million remains in the account, N160 million was siphoned. He added that steps are being taken to recover the money.
“We’re heading to Jos to recover the money,” he stated.
As a precaution, Otse confirmed that the NGO’s app has been temporarily shut down for maintenance and enhanced security measures.
He assured supporters of regular updates on the situation.
The Martins Vincent Osei Initiative was created to support vulnerable populations and address societal issues.
Embattled Nigerian pastor and founder of SPAC Nation, Tobi Adegboyega, has defended his opulent lifestyle, claiming it serves to inspire young people rather than flaunt wealth.
This statement comes amid a UK Immigration Upper Tribunal ruling ordering his deportation over visa violations.
Adegboyega, 44, faced accusations of overstaying his visitor visa, which expired after he arrived in the UK in 2005.
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He had applied to remain in the country on human rights grounds. The tribunal, however, ruled against him, citing his failure to regularize his status.
The pastor’s luxurious lifestyle, including designer clothing and expensive cars, was a focal point of the case.
Addressing the tribunal, Adegboyega stated that his lifestyle is fully funded by his wife, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 annually at AON.
He said, “I live with my partner, Mary Olubukola Alade, who earns £100,000 per year working for AON. I spend my time working for the church, for which I am unpaid. I am entirely supported by Mary. I have a first-class law degree from Nigeria, but I have ‘sacrificed’ my legal career to help those who cannot help themselves.”
Defending his appearance, Adegboyega emphasized the importance of projecting success to his young congregation.
The court noted, “For instance, people have pointed to the fact that he wears designer clothing and drives expensive cars. He was adamant that all of his personal possessions had been paid for by Mary.
“He believes it is important for him to dress the way that he does because he needs to inspire these young people – they need to understand that there are legitimate ways of making money, for instance through entrepreneurship.”
Despite the ruling, Adegboyega dismissed the deportation concerns as insignificant.
“I’m right here at home, no cause for alarm. Naturally, I will dismiss things that have to do with retrogression; every Nigerian should be proud of me. Living in the UK, a city that is well known for pulling people down, I have survived all sorts, so the matter that they are propagating is the smallest matter,” he said.
He further expressed confidence in his resilience. “No panic, I love London city, it is my city, and nobody can do anything. Of all the people of colour you know here – pastors and leaders – I have survived everything. I’m here, I am at home, nobody should panic for me.
“I succeeded well in this country despite all challenges, and I’m in the league of people you look up to. I have survived that well; nothing has changed, nothing will change,” he added.
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