South Sudan International Advocacy for Human Rights (SSIAHR)
Press Statement
Date: May 5, 2025
Subj: Strong Condemnation of the May 3rd Aerial Bombardment in Old Fangak
May 5, 2025 (SSNA) — The South Sudan International Advocacy for Human Rights (SSIAHR) unequivocally condemns the aerial bombardment carried out on May 3, 2025, in Old Fangak, Jonglei State. The attack, reportedly conducted by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in coordination with the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), targeted civilian areas and a health facility operated by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
This egregious act constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit attacks on civilians and medical facilities under any circumstances. The deliberate targeting of vulnerable populations and lifesaving humanitarian infrastructure is not only morally reprehensible but also legally indefensible.
It is deeply alarming that such acts of violence are becoming normalized against the Nuer ethnic group, with the repeated use of state military resources against civilian populations, often along ethnic lines. These actions exacerbate suffering, fuel division, and severely undermine peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan and the region.
SSIAHR calls on the international community, including the United Nations, the African Union, and all relevant human rights mechanisms, to urgently investigate this atrocity and ensure accountability for those responsible. We further demand the immediate cessation of hostilities, unfettered humanitarian access to affected communities, and full protection for civilians and medical personnel.
We stand in solidarity with the victims of this attack and reaffirm our commitment to promoting justice, human rights, and peace for all people in South Sudan.
Peter Gatkuoth Wadar Kuel, President
SSIAHR
Email: [email protected]