In a statement released Sunday, the Chairperson said he learned of the incident with “shock and dismay” and expressed deep concern over the loss of civilian lives, the destruction of critical medical infrastructure, and the denial of access to healthcare in the affected community.
“This is a flagrant breach of International Humanitarian Law,” the Chairperson stated, “resulting in the loss of lives and property, as well as a denial of the right to healthcare and protection of civilians.”
The aerial assault occurred on Saturday, May 3, when helicopter gunships reportedly bombed the MSF-run hospital and surrounding areas, killing four civilians, including a nine-month-old child, and injuring at least 25 others, according to MSF South Sudan. The attack followed accusations by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) that the local White Army and elements of the SPLA-IO had seized commercial boats.
The African Union Commission called on the South Sudanese authorities to launch an urgent investigation and hold accountable those responsible for what the Chairperson termed a heinous crime.
Youssouf also urged all parties to the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) to recommit to peace, unity, and reconciliation.
“The Chairperson expresses the hope that peace, stability, unity and national reconciliation would prevail in South Sudan,” the statement added.
The bombing has sparked international condemnation and heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation and repeated violations of the 2018 peace agreement. Monitoring bodies like RJMEC and CTSAMVM have also called for independent investigations and unrestricted access to the affected areas.
