MSF evacuated from parts of Bahr al-Ghazal

MSF reported today (Friday) that it has evacuated expatriate staff from five out of 10 locations in Bahr al-Ghazal, and one in Jonglei due to insecurity, which forced its workers to leave their bases at least 12 times since a mid-January ceasefire. On 9 February, the MSF teams in Panthou and Ajak left their locations after seeing frightened civilians fleeing the area and hearing that pro-government militias were nearby. Those in Tioraliet were also evacuated. All told, 16 MSF staff from the three locations were flown out on an OLS security flight.

On 28 January, pro-government militia raided the village of Bararud, killing 10 civilians, including a local MSF staff member. Local witnesses claimed 60 militia on horseback raided the village, plundered medical supplies and food from the MSF health and nutritional structures, abducted women and children and used them as porters to carry their loot. Bararud’s population was halved following the raid, the witnesses said. Akobo, in Jonglei, was evacuated on 6 February due to inter-factional fighting.

According to MSF, its programmes in Bahr el Ghazal with expatriate staff are continuing in Achumchum, Ajiep, Mapel, Thiek Thou and Wau. All other locations in the province are now under assessment for security and the teams will return as soon as possible. MSF added that the programmes there were being continued by local staff.