MSF Reports 26 Staff Missing Amid Escalating Violence in South Sudan

Kathmandu. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) stated on Monday that 26 of its staff members have gone missing following a recent surge in violence in South Sudan. "We confirm that 26 of our 291 MSF colleagues working in Lankien and Pibor are missing due to the violence," the statement mentioned, adding that contact was lost amid extreme insecurity.

MSF has suspended medical services in Lankien and Pibor in Jonglei State, where major clashes have occurred between government and opposition forces since December.

The MSF facility in Lankien was reportedly affected by a government airstrike on February 3. The statement further noted that many staff members were forced to flee with their families, taking refuge in remote areas where access to basic services like food and water is unavailable for many displaced people.

South Sudan, the world's youngest nation, has been plagued by civil war, poverty, and massive corruption since its formation in 2011.

The United Nations has warned of a return to "full-blown civil war" as the power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and his long-time rival Riek Machar deteriorates last year.

Meanwhile, the United Nations reported on Sunday that dozens of civilians and local officials have been killed due to escalating violence in Abyei, near the border with Sudan.