MSF dismisses 18 staff in Chad over sexual abuse allegations
June 16, 2026 (N’DJAMENA) – Medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has dismissed 18 staff members in eastern Chad following an internal investigation into dozens of allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse involving Sudanese refugees.
The aid organisation launched multiple investigation teams in late 2024 after Sudanese refugee women raised serious allegations of misconduct against personnel operating in the region.
Over several months, investigators identified 59 separate allegations of misconduct. The complaints spanned sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse, involving contracted personnel, daily workers, external contractors, and suppliers.
MSF said some of the 59 allegations were corroborated by the review, while others remained unverified because victims or perpetrators could not be identified. Immediate disciplinary action was taken where serious misconduct was established.
“This misconduct represents a serious breach of MSF’s values and responsibilities,” Laura Leyser, Secretary General of MSF International, said in a statement.
“We recognise the pain, harm, and suffering experienced by the survivors and we deeply regret that this has happened in our programmes,” Leyser added.
The dismissed workers have been barred from future employment with the organisation. MSF stated it provided survivors with psychological, medical, and legal support based on their specific needs, but declined to provide further details on individual cases to protect victim confidentiality.
Following the inquiry, the medical charity implemented corrective measures in eastern Chad, including stricter recruitment checks for local staff, enhanced complaint mechanisms, and the deployment of dedicated safeguarding resources.
MSF has operated in Chad since 1981, providing emergency healthcare and nutritional support to refugee and host communities. The organisation currently employs 872 local staff and 81 international staff in the country, alongside 390 non-contracted medical workers.