Bentiu IDPs rally against MSF’s planned exit from camp hospital

BENTIU – Thousands of residents at Bentiu’s internally displaced persons (IDP) camp staged a peaceful protest on Monday, calling on Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Holland to remain at the camp rather than transferring management of its hospital to the state government.

The protest follows an agreement between MSF and South Sudan’s Ministry of Health to transition control of Bentiu IDP Camp Secondary Hospital to the Unity State government after 11 years of operation. MSF has been providing healthcare services at the facility since 2014.

Protesters expressed concerns that the transition would lead to a decline in healthcare services, particularly for those suffering from chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis.

“We don’t want MSF Holland to leave us behind, suffering from different diseases,” said Younis Gatyang Tap, a resident of the camp.

Another protester, Mary Nyamuch Liah, rejected the transition agreement between MSF and the government.

“I remember the tremendous work MSF did for the people of Unity State during the South Sudan war. We have been receiving good healthcare, and we do not accept this transition,” she said.

Nhial Diet, another demonstrator, warned that MSF’s departure could have severe consequences.

“MSF has saved thousands of lives over the past 11 years. If they leave, many people here will die because the South Sudanese government is not capable of taking care of its people,” he said.

Peter Mabil, Secretary-General of the Bentiu IDP Camp Community High Committee, confirmed that community leaders had met with MSF multiple times regarding the transition.

“MSF informed us that they would leave the IDP camp this year and transition to the state hospital. We then informed the community, which led to today’s protest,” Mabil said. “Patients will suffer, as transportation from the IDP camp to Bentiu hospital is a challenge.”

John Mut Bol, Director General at the Unity State Ministry of Health, acknowledged the protests but reassured residents that MSF would continue providing emergency healthcare services.

“MSF is not leaving Unity State. They are still operating in Leer and Mayom counties. The transition from Bentiu IDP Camp Hospital to Bentiu State Hospital is due to funding shortages,” Mut said. “We will hold another meeting with MSF to request them to delay the transition for a few more months.”

MSF has not yet issued an official response to the protests.