SOUTH SUDAN: MSF Relocates To Mattar, Ethiopia To Support Refugees From South Sudan Violence

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has announced its relocation from the Ethiopian border town of Burbeiye to Mattar in response to escalating violence along the South Sudan-Ethiopia border.

As violence intensifies, thousands of South Sudanese refugees who initially sought safety in Burbeiye are now moving deeper into Ethiopia, reaching Mattar.

MSF highlighted increased clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and opposition armed groups, compounded by cross-border gunfire that injured several individuals in Burbeiye on May 12.

“Burbeiye has become critically unsafe. With a surge of refugees arriving in just one night, it was imperative for us to follow their journey and respond to their needs,” stated Joshua Eckley, MSF’s head of mission in Ethiopia.

Refugees arriving in Mattar have shared harrowing accounts of fleeing aerial bombardments and violence in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, particularly from the towns of Nasir and Ulang. One refugee, Nyayul, recounted a tragic loss: “When the bombs started falling, everyone ran. I only have two children with me now; the others are missing.”

The Gambella region of Ethiopia is grappling with multiple crises, according to MSF. The outbreak of cholera in Wanthoa Woreda and an influx of refugees escaping the conflict in South Sudan’s Upper Nile and Jonglei states have strained resources. In recent weeks, MSF has treated over 1,200 cholera patients and conducted more than 3,000 outpatient consultations.

Current estimates suggest that between 35,000 and 85,000 refugees are now residing in Mattar, many of whom are living in overcrowded makeshift shelters with limited resources. MSF is reporting alarming health conditions: over 40% of malaria tests have returned positive results, nearly 7% of children under 5 are experiencing severe acute malnutrition, and more than 14% of pregnant and lactating women suffer from acute malnutrition.

The organization is calling on all parties involved to ensure safe access for humanitarian efforts and is urging donors to increase their support. “Essential supplies such as shelter, water, and medical care are critically lacking for those who have fled horrific violence,” MSF emphasized.