A Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) clinic in Kerfi, eastern Chad, was attacked on Tuesday July 8. Following the assault on patients, their families, and MSF staff, the organization has withdrawn most of its staff from the area and suspended its medical activities there. MSF is deeply concerned about the situation in Kerfi, especially for its patients, including 200 malnourished children who remain without adequate medical care.

On Tuesday, dozens of young men rampaged through the health facility attacking anyone they encountered, ransacking and destroying furniture, the pharmacy and consultation rooms. Patients, including severely malnourished children, were forced to flee. Their whereabouts and current condition are unknown. Several MSF staff were severely beaten during the incident but did not sustain serious injuries.

Violence continued in other parts of the town resulting in an unknown number of deaths and injuries. The motivation for the assault is still unclear. However, it seems that non-governmental organizations were intentionally targeted.

“We are appalled and outraged that patients and medical staff have come under attack inside our medical facility,” said Karline Kleijer, MSF head of mission in Chad. “This incident shows an unacceptable disrespect for humanitarian aid and medical facilities, and limits MSF’s and other aid agencies’ capacity to provide assistance to populations in eastern Chad. It also illustrates how the general lack of security in this area of Chad directly affects civilians.”

Following the attack, MSF treated several injured people, including some of the attackers. After the most seriously wounded had been taken care of, the MSF team left Kerfi for Goz Beida, where the organization has another base. The remaining local staff are not adequately trained to keep medical services fully running.

MSF’s medical activities in Kerfi are currently suspended. The organization is analyzing the incident and will decide as to when the team can return to Kerfi and resume its medical emergency work. MSF is deeply concerned about the situation in Kerfi, especially about its patients who remain without adequate medical care.

At the Kerfi health post MSF provides 24-hour medical care to villagers and displaced people, including a therapeutic feeding program for children and antenatal and postnatal care.

The MSF team sees more than 3,000 patients per month and gives nutritional support to about 200 children. Patients are referred to Goz Beida hospital (supported by another NGO) if they need further treatment. More than 10,000 displaced Chadians live in or around Kerfi, in addition to about 8,000 original inhabitants.