WCC concerned over attack on hospital in South Sudan

Photo: Sean Hawkey/WCC

Source: WCC

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay has expressed profound sorrow and concern over an aerial attack on the Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) hospital in Old Fangak, South Sudan, on 3 May.

"This heinous act, which claimed the lives of at least seven people, including a nine-month-old child, and injured more than 20 others, is a heartbreaking violation of international humanitarian law and a direct assault on the dignity of human life," Pillay said.

"The hospital in Old Fangak stood as the only lifeline for over 110,000 vulnerable people in Fangak County."

Pillay cited the deliberate targeting, including the destruction of a pharmacy and bombing of nearby civilian areas, as morally indefensible and a shocking breach of the sanctity of medical neutrality. "The WCC condemns this attack in the strongest possible terms," he said.

He called on the government of South Sudan and all armed actors involved in the conflict to respect and protect all humanitarian personnel and facilities. "We urge an independent investigation into this attack and accountability for those responsible," Pillay said. "The WCC also calls on the international community, churches, and ecumenical partners to redouble efforts toward a sustainable peace in South Sudan."

Pillay concluded: "We pray for the grieving families, the wounded, and the displaced. May God comfort them, and may the churches continue to be agents of healing, reconciliation, and justice."