By John Koroma
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Belgium is facing serious allegations of mistreatment, abandonment, and the sudden dismissal of Mr. Idrissa Kalil, a key staff member involved in their humanitarian project in Kenema.
Mr. Kalil, who served the organization for several years, claims that despite his commitment, MSF Belgium unjustly terminated his employment following an on-the-job accident.
Mr. Kalil recounted that the issues began after he sustained a serious injury while cleaning water tanks that supplied hospitals in Kenema District. He fell from one of the tanks, an incident that nearly claimed his life. After seeking a medical examination, he was advised to undergo an urgent knee transplant abroad. However, when he submitted his medical report to MSF Belgium, it was allegedly ignored.
Over time, this lack of support reportedly turned into active hostility, leading to what Mr. Kalil describes as his “abandonment” by the organization. Despite his injury, he continued working, even attending to phone calls and handling reports from home as his condition worsened. He informed MSF Belgium of his deteriorating health, but the organization allegedly remained indifferent to his situation.
Mr. Kalil stated that, with no support from MSF Belgium, his family and friends stepped in to cover his medical expenses. They paid $10,000 for his knee transplant at the International Hospital in Freetown. Before and after the surgery, Mr. Kalil communicated with MSF Belgium, informing them of his need for recovery time. However, shortly after the surgery, he was unexpectedly dismissed from his position. The sudden termination came as a shock not only to him but also to his colleagues.
Mr. Kalil claims that the dismissal was unjust and that MSF Belgium failed to follow proper procedures, leaving him without severance pay or any form of financial support. He is now seeking justice and struggling to support his family.
In his pursuit of justice, Mr. Kalil lodged an official complaint with the Ministry of Labour in Bo District. After an investigation, the ministry concluded that MSF Belgium had not treated Mr. Kalil fairly. It recommended that the organization refund his medical expenses and pay his entitlements.
Despite this recommendation, MSF Belgium has reportedly refused to comply with the ministry’s decision. As a result, the Ministry of Labour has issued a notification for Industrial Court action against the organization. Efforts to obtain a response from MSF Belgium regarding the matter have been unsuccessful.