Morobo Hospital Attacked, Ambulances Burned as Armed Men Raid Health Facility

(Morobo) – A group of unidentified armed men stormed Morobo Hospital in Central Equatoria State on Friday night, looting the facility and setting two ambulances on fire. The incident has sparked widespread fear and condemnation from local authorities and residents alike.

Witnesses said the attackers arrived around 10:30 p.m. Central Africa Time, dressed in military uniforms. Patients reported that the men forced them to remain indoors, seized mobile phones and other personal belongings, and then fired shots into the air before leaving. No casualties were reported, but the destruction of essential medical assets and theft of equipment has severely disrupted health services in the area.

Harriet, a nurse on night duty who spoke anonymously out of fear for her safety, described the experience as terrifying. “They took my phones and official laptop. The hospital’s drug store was broken into. They looted medicines, equipment, and even our microscope used for lab work,” she said.

Local officials have accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) of being behind the attack, though the claim remains unverified as SPLA-IO officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Morobo County Commissioner Charles Bullen condemned the attack, calling it the worst security incident since he took office in August 2024. “Burning ambulances is not just senseless—it is cruel. Those vehicles are essential for emergency care, especially with the current humanitarian situation affecting internally displaced persons and returnees,” he said.

Commissioner Bullen stated that an official investigation has been launched and pledged to hold an emergency meeting with security forces to restore calm. “Immediate and serious security measures are required to address the panic now spreading through the county,” he added.

The attack comes just months after violent clashes in April between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO left over 7,000 people displaced in Morobo County. Tensions between rival armed groups continue to affect the stability and safety of civilians, many of whom rely on the few functioning public services such as the hospital that was targeted.

The hospital, which had served as the only operational health facility in the county, is now severely crippled following the looting and destruction. There is no public estimate yet on the value of the stolen supplies, but given the loss of specialized medical equipment and drug inventories, health officials warn that services may take months to recover without urgent support.

There was no immediate estimate in South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) regarding the cost of the damage. However, based on previous assessments, an ambulance typically costs around SSP 86 million (approximately USD 50,000), and the stolen medical supplies and devices, including a microscope, could add up to SSP 25–35 million (USD 14,500–20,000).

Humanitarian workers have warned that without swift action, the already strained healthcare services in Morobo may collapse entirely, leaving thousands of displaced people and returnees with no access to medical care.