Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has dismissed 18 staff members following investigations into allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad.
The organization said on Monday, June 15, that it launched several investigations after receiving reports in late 2024 of serious misconduct by staff working with refugees who had fled the conflict in Sudan.
According to MSF, a review examined 59 allegations. While some claims were substantiated, others could not be verified because investigators were unable to identify either the alleged victims or perpetrators. The charity stated that disciplinary measures were taken in all cases where investigations confirmed serious misconduct. As a result, 18 employees were dismissed and permanently barred from working with MSF. MSF described the incidents as a grave violation of its principles and responsibilities, expressing deep regret for the harm caused to affected individuals.
The organization said it was strengthening its systems for preventing, detecting and responding to misconduct and urged staff, patients and community members to report any inappropriate behaviour through its reporting channels.
The allegations emerged amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by Sudan’s civil war, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced more than 12 million, according to the United Nations. Nearly one million Sudanese refugees have sought refuge in neighbouring Chad, placing significant pressure on humanitarian Agencies operating in the region.