MSF Dismisses 18 Staff Over Sexual Exploitation Allegations in Eastern Chad

The civil war that erupted in Sudan in April 2023 between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has generated the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. More than 12 million people have been displaced, and close to one million Sudanese refugees—about 88 % women and children—have sought shelter in neighbouring Chad. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) operates medical programmes for these displaced populations in eastern Chad.

MSF Dismisses 18 Staff Over Abuse of Sudanese Refugees in Chad – Medafrica Times

In late 2024, MSF received reports from Sudanese refugee women alleging sexual exploitation and abuse by staff members working in eastern Chad. An internal review examined 59 separate allegations involving local employees, external contractors, daily workers and suppliers. Where investigations confirmed serious misconduct, MSF terminated employment and barred the individuals from future work with the organisation. Eighteen staff members were dismissed as a result.

MSF dismisses 18 staff in Chad over sexual exploitation allegations involving Sudanese refugeesMSF Dismisses 18 Staff Over Abuse of Sudanese Refugees in Chad – Medafrica TimesMSF sacks 18 staff in eastern Chad for sexual exploitation of Sudanese women and underage girlsBBC NewsMSF dismisses 18 employees for sexual assaults on refugees in Chad – Interview

• Allegations examined: 59 (sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse; some involving under-age girls).

BBC News

• Dismissals: 18 staff members barred permanently.

MSF dismisses 18 staff in Chad over sexual exploitation allegations involving Sudanese refugees

• Verification: Several allegations were corroborated; others remained unverified because victims or perpetrators could not be identified.

BBC News

• Refugee context: The Koulbous camp near the Sudan-Chad border hosts close to one million Sudanese refugees, 88 % of whom are women and children.

MSF sacks 18 staff in eastern Chad for sexual exploitation of Sudanese women and underage girls

• MSF’s internal review noted patterns of exploitation that could amount to sexual trafficking.

MSF dismisses 18 staff in Chad over sexual exploitation allegations involving Sudanese refugees

Investigations documented staff offering food, water or milk in exchange for sex and transporting seven refugee girls in an MSF vehicle under the pretext of water distribution, only to subject them to sexual assault. Community leaders imposed a curfew to protect girls from staff contact. Some Chadian female employees were threatened with job loss if they refused sexual advances. Victims often feared retaliation, believing that reporting could jeopardise their access to essential aid; several reports received no reply or support.

MSF sacks 18 staff in eastern Chad for sexual exploitation of Sudanese women and underage girls

MSF said the misconduct breaches its core values and expressed deep regret for the harm caused to survivors. Laura Leyser, Secretary General of MSF International, stated that the organisation recognises survivors’ pain, pledges responsibility to prevent misconduct and to respond decisively. The NGO added that it is strengthening prevention, detection and response systems and that reporting channels are being made safe, accessible and trusted. MSF also noted it respects survivors’ wishes regarding criminal prosecution and will protect confidentiality.

MSF dismisses 18 staff in Chad over sexual exploitation allegations involving Sudanese refugees

The recurrence of sexual-exploitation allegations against humanitarian workers in multiple crises has prompted calls for stronger safeguards. Victims’ accounts highlight gaps in MSF’s complaints mechanisms, which the internal report described as “mostly ineffective.” NGOs and scholars have urged independent external investigations and more robust accountability measures. MSF’s own history of similar accusations in other operational contexts reinforces concerns about systemic vulnerabilities.

MSF dismisses 18 staff in Chad over sexual exploitation allegations involving Sudanese refugees

While some of the 59 allegations were corroborated, others remained unverified because neither victims nor perpetrators could be identified. No criminal charges have been publicly announced, and MSF declined to comment on potential legal actions. An internal memo referenced a building within a refugee camp where staff were reportedly seen seeking out girls, but verification of that location is absent.

MSF dismisses 18 staff in Chad over sexual exploitation allegations involving Sudanese refugees

• “ The medical relief organisation underscores: “This misconduct represents a serious breach of MSF’s values and responsibilities, and we deeply regret the harm caused.” — MSF press liaison

MSF sacks 18 staff in eastern Chad for sexual exploitation of Sudanese women and underage girls

• “We recognise the pain, harm, and suffering experienced by the survivors, and we deeply regret that this has happened in our programmes.” — Laura Leyser, Secretary General, MSF International

MSF dismisses 18 staff in Chad over sexual exploitation allegations involving Sudanese refugees

• “Repercussions A member of Team Zamzam provides treatment for a malnourished child – Archive photo for illustrative purposes – no person depicted was invloved in the events referred to in the current article (Source: Prof Eric Reeves @Sudanreeves) The vulnerability to abuse and exploitation add to the challenges of humanitarian workers.” — Prof. Eric Reeves

MSF sacks 18 staff in eastern Chad for sexual exploitation of Sudanese women and underage girls

• “Team Zamzam is one of the only resources for girls and women traumatised by sexual violence and abuse in all of eastern Chad.” — Gaffar Mohammud Saeneen, co-chair, Team Zamzam

MSF sacks 18 staff in eastern Chad for sexual exploitation of Sudanese women and underage girls

MSF announced tighter recruitment checks, improved staff identification, reinforced safeguarding personnel and enhanced detection systems for its eastern Chad programmes. The UNHCR has ordered Team Zamzam to relocate to a new camp in Mayba, citing security concerns amid ongoing RSF attacks. MSF continues to urge staff, patients and community members to report misconduct through its newly strengthened channels.

MSF dismisses 18 staff in Chad over sexual exploitation allegations involving Sudanese refugees