Trending Now - Rising Kidnappings and Missing Aid Workers Plague Africa's Sahel

WHO:

James Monyluak, information minister for the administrative area of Ruweng, South Sudan

Anita Kiki Gbeho, UNMISS official

Stephano Wieu De Mialek, chief administrator of Ruweng Administrative Area

Riek Machar, opposition leader and former deputy to President Salva Kiir

President Salva Kiir, current president of South Sudan

Lance Corporal Amenuvor Mabel, member of the Ghana Battalion, UNMISS

Yashovardhan, MSF head of mission in South Sudan

Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

WHAT:

At least 169 people were killed in an insurgent raid on a village in Abiemnom county, South Sudan, on March 1, 2026.

Among the dead were 90 civilians, including women and children, and dozens of combatants.

1,000 people sought shelter at the UNMISS base following the attack.

23 individuals were reported wounded in the attack.

26 out of 291 Doctors Without Borders staff remain unaccounted for after attacks on February 3, 2026.

MSF facilities in Lankien and Pieri were attacked, with one hospital bombed by government forces and another raided by unknown assailants.

The U.N. estimates that 280,000 people have been displaced since December 2025 due to ongoing violence.

WHERE:

Abiemnom county, South Sudan

UNMISS base in South Sudan

Jonglei State, South Sudan

Towns of Lankien and Pieri, South Sudan

Juba, capital of South Sudan

WHEN:

Attack occurred on March 1, 2026

UNMISS statement released on March 2, 2026

Attacks on MSF facilities occurred on February 3, 2026

Riek Machar was removed from his position in September 2025

WHY:

The violence is part of an escalating conflict between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and armed groups believed to be loyal to Riek Machar.

Machar's removal from office coincided with an increase in violence, and his supporters claim the charges against him are politically motivated.

Ongoing violence threatens the fragile peace established in 2018 after a five-year civil war.

HOW:

The insurgent attack was described as a coordinated and organized assault by elements linked to the White Army militia and forces affiliated with Machar's group.

UNMISS peacekeepers are patrolling the area to deter crime and protect civilians.

The government has conducted a counteroffensive since January 2026, involving aerial bombardments and ground assaults.

At least 169 people were killed in a coordinated insurgent raid on a village in Abiemnom county, South Sudan, on March 1, with 90 of the victims being civilians, including women and children. Following the attack, around 1,000 people sought shelter at the UNMISS base, while 23 individuals were reported wounded, and 26 out of 291 Doctors Without Borders staff remain unaccounted for after previous assaults on their facilities. The violence is part of an escalating conflict between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and armed groups linked to opposition leader Riek Machar, whose removal from office in September 2025 has coincided with a troubling rise in hostilities.