In brief
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has confirmed that at least 59 Sudanese refugees were sexually abused by its staff in eastern Chad amid the ongoing civil war. The misconduct, involving exchanges of sex for food or employment, led to the dismissal of 18 staff members, although others remain unidentified. An internal report raised concerns of potential sexual trafficking, and victims feared retaliation that could jeopardise aid access. The case underscores lingering risks for vulnerable civilians and highlights shortcomings in complaint mechanisms for humanitarian workers.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has announced that several of its staff were implicated in a sex‑for‑food abuse scandal involving at least 59 Sudanese refugees who fled civil war and sought safety in eastern Chad.
The allegations revolve around the exchange of sexual favors for food or employment and were documented in a camp setting. Victims—many young girls—reported fears that speaking up could lead to retaliation, including cuts to essential aid.
MSF says it has fired 18 alleged perpetrators, but admits other offenders remain unidentified. The internal review also identified patterns that might constitute sexual trafficking.
The case underscores the persistent risks faced by humanitarian workers and the lack of effective complaint mechanisms in conflict zones. With over 11 million people displaced and 28 million facing acute hunger, the broader Sudanese conflict remains a severe humanitarian crisis.
Experts point to the weaponization of sexual violence in war and the imperative for international humanitarian actors to protect vulnerable populations.
