The Sudanese “Government of Peace and Unity,” an executive authority established by the Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasees) and aligned with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces Rapid Support Forces, has ordered the suspension of all activities of the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières in areas under its control, citing allegations of sexual exploitation involving Sudanese refugees in eastern Chad.
In a directive issued on Thursday, Prime Minister Mohamed Hassan El Tawashi said the suspension was intended to protect “the dignity of the Sudanese people” and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
The order also establishes a fact-finding committee chaired by the ministers of justice, foreign affairs and health, and comprising representatives of the public prosecution, military intelligence, police and the National Commission for Humanitarian Access. The committee has been instructed to submit its findings within 30 days.
El Tawashi directed health and humanitarian authorities to ensure that the suspension does not disrupt the delivery of essential humanitarian services.
He also commended the Chadian authorities for pursuing legal action against individuals implicated in the allegations and called for justice and protection for victims.
The move follows MSF’s announcement that it had dismissed 18 staff members in eastern Chad after investigating allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse reported by Sudanese refugee women in late 2024.
In a statement, MSF said internal investigations examined 59 allegations involving sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse by staff members, contractors, suppliers and daily workers. It said some allegations were substantiated, while others could not be verified due to difficulties in identifying victims or alleged perpetrators.
“Where investigations established serious misconduct, immediate disciplinary action was taken,” the organisation said, adding that those dismissed have been barred from working with MSF.
The allegations drew wider attention after an Associated Press report cited an internal MSF memorandum describing cases in which refugee women were allegedly exploited in exchange for food, water, employment and other assistance. The report also cited allegations involving minors.
MSF described the findings as “a serious breach of MSF’s values and responsibilities” and said it “deeply regrets the harm caused.”
The organisation said it has strengthened recruitment procedures, complaint mechanisms and safeguarding systems in eastern Chad, and has encouraged staff, patients and community members to report any misconduct.
MSF has not said whether criminal proceedings have been initiated against those dismissed, adding that it supports survivors in deciding whether to report cases to authorities while prioritising confidentiality.
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