In brief
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders admits that a number of its staff abused Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad, offering food or jobs in exchange for sex. 59 victims, including young girls, were affected between 2024 and early 2025, a year into Sudan’s ongoing civil war. MSF fired 18 staff members but could not pinpoint all perpetrators, raising concerns about internal accountability. Victims feared retaliation and received little support, undermining trust in humanitarian operations. The scandal adds to a pattern of sexual exploitation reported worldwide by aid workers amid conflict.
Doctors Without Borders admitted that its staff sexually abused at least 59 Sudanese refugees who fled the civil war, with many girls exploited in exchange for food or employment.
The incidents, recorded in eastern Chad from 2024—about a year into Sudan’s severe conflict—highlight serious breaches of MSF’s ethical commitments.
The organisation has fired 18 staff but left some alleged perpetrators unidentified, according to an AP news report.
MSF’s internal investigation suggests patterns of sexual trafficking, raising alarms about systemic exploitation.
Many victims feared that reporting the abuse could lead to withdrawal of vital aid; those who did speak out often received little response from MSF.
MSF condemned the misconduct, stating it “represents a serious breach of our values and responsibilities” and expressing deep regret for the harm caused.
Context: Sudan plunged into civil war three years ago after a power struggle between its army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. More than 11 million people have fled their homes and 28 million face acute hunger. Estimated deaths range from 150,000 to 400,000.
Mass sexual violence has been documented as a weapon of war in this conflict, affecting men, women, and children—including those under one year old.
Humanitarian workers worldwide have faced accusations of sexual exploitation despite pledges to eradicate such abuses.
