An internal investigation by Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, MSF) has uncovered widespread exploitation of local staff by international employees in its Chad mission. The probe, detailed in a leaked report, found that foreign workers engaged in abusive practices including verbal harassment, unfair dismissals, and unequal pay, violating the organization's own code of conduct.
The investigation, which reviewed cases between 2019 and 2023, interviewed over 100 current and former employees. It revealed a pattern of power abuse where international staff often held decision-making roles while local staff were subjected to discrimination and intimidation. One investigator noted that "the very people we aim to protect became victims of our own staff."
MSF employs tens of thousands of workers globally, deploying them to crisis zones. In Chad, the organization runs medical clinics, nutrition centers, and mobile health units, battling malnutrition and disease outbreaks. However, the report highlights systemic failures in staff management and oversight.
MSF has acknowledged the findings, apologizing to affected staff and vowing to implement reforms, including stricter hiring, better complaint mechanisms, and mandatory diversity training. "We are committed to addressing these failures," said an MSF spokesperson, adding that disciplinary actions have been taken against some international staff.
The scandal adds to growing scrutiny of humanitarian organizations' treatment of local workers, echoing similar allegations against other aid groups. Advocacy groups call for greater accountability to ensure aid workers uphold the values they promote in the field.