An internal investigation by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has uncovered widespread exploitation of refugees in Chad by both local and foreign staff members, including incidents involving underage girls and coercion through food aid and employment. The findings, which emerged from a report completed in July 2025, were first reported by The Associated Press on Saturday.
The aid organization acknowledged 59 allegations of abuse, though it believes the actual number is higher given survivors’ reluctance to come forward. As a result of the investigation, 18 staff members were terminated and barred from future employment with the organization.
The internal probe followed a November 2024 investigation by the AP revealing that Sudanese women seeking refuge in Chad were being exploited by aid workers and local security forces in exchange for jobs and assistance. Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese have since fled into eastern Chad amid a four-year civil war that has killed thousands.
In refugee camps where MSF operates as one of the largest humanitarian responders, the organization implemented additional protective measures, including staff training. However, the investigation found these efforts insufficient to prevent abuse.
The 59 misconduct cases ranged from sexual harassment to exploitation and abuse, representing what MSF described as a “candid internal analysis” of systemic failures. female refugees, including minors, were reportedly prostituted, with one case involving seven girls who were recruited as daily workers then transported to a remote location for sexual exploitation.
Survivors faced barriers to reporting, with some remaining silent due to fears of losing access to aid, while others received inadequate follow-up support after coming forward. MSF cited operational challenges, including the scale of the refugee crisis and population movement, as limitations in tracing all involved parties.
The organization has implemented enhanced abuse prevention measures, including confidential reporting channels, and noted that similar allegations emerged during a 2021 Ebola outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
