Morobo Residents Demand Action After Hospital Attack

(Morobo) – Residents of Morobo County in South Sudan have called on the government to strengthen security in the area following a violent attack on Morobo Hospital on June 20, 2025. Armed men reportedly stormed the hospital at night, looting medicines, computers, cash, and mobile phones before setting fire to two mobile ambulances.

The attack has sparked fear and concern among the community, with residents urging the county authorities to ensure safety for civilians, especially during nighttime. Public spaces such as schools, churches, hospitals, and homes are seen as increasingly vulnerable, prompting appeals for increased patrols and protection.

Tom Likambu, a resident of Morobo town, said the hospital incident revealed the urgent need for better security. “What happened last week was a very bad incident. We don’t want to hear again that people’s property has been looted or that civilians have been attacked, whether at night or in broad daylight,” he said.

Another resident, Moses Aliga, shared similar concerns. While officials claim the area is under control, he urged the local government to back words with action. “The commissioner says the area is safe, but what we need is visible protection. We don’t want the same thing that happened at the hospital to happen in our homes or at the market,” he added.

Local traders also feel at risk. Aredu Pita, a vendor in Morobo Market Center, said traders want peace to conduct business without fear of looting or attacks. “We are just poor people trying to survive, feed our families, and send our children to school. We need the government to protect the market and traders,” she said.

In response, the Commissioner of Morobo County publicly condemned the attack, describing the destruction of ambulances as both cruel and dangerous. “Burning ambulances is not just senseless. It is cruel,” he said. “These vehicles are vital for emergency response, especially now, with so many internally displaced people and returnees needing care.”

He added that immediate and strong security measures are being taken to prevent similar attacks and restore public confidence. While specific details of the response plan were not disclosed, the statement emphasized that authorities are aware of the panic spreading through the community and are acting to stabilize the situation.

Morobo County, located in the south-west of Central Equatoria State, borders Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The region has experienced repeated episodes of insecurity since early 2025, with communities regularly affected by attacks and lawlessness.

The latest attack comes at a time when humanitarian needs are rising in the area. With many returnees and internally displaced persons depending on fragile services such as healthcare and markets, residents say maintaining security is critical for the county’s recovery and development.

While no official figures were released about the cost of the damages, community members say the loss of ambulances and looted equipment and medicines will deeply affect healthcare delivery. They say strong security is the only way to stop such attacks from becoming routine.