Escalating violence drives mass population displacement

Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23 and their respective allies in the Fizi Highlands have intensified longstanding intercommunal tensions. This surge in violence has triggered fresh waves of mass displacement. Nearly five million people have been displaced across the region, including 1.9 million in South Kivu and Maniema, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

Without adequate shelter solutions, most displaced individuals have sought refuge with host families or in displacement camps, such as Monge Monge. Access to clean water, food, and basic medical care remains severely limited for both locals and displaced populations.

Distance and cost of care block access to healthcare

Many displaced families have lost their livelihoods due to persistent conflict. In response, MSF has adapted its medical services to better serve communities affected by violence.

Ikupe Roger, 60, fled his village a year and a half ago to escape fighting. «When the clashes broke out, I left with my wife and our eight children to save our lives», he recalls. «My greatest worry now is staying in Baraka despite the violence and insecurity. Before MSF arrived, healthcare access was nearly nonexistent. Paying over 100,000 Congolese francs for treatment was impossible». To support his family, he relies on farming, fishing, and small-scale poultry farming. Despite relentless efforts, living conditions remain dire.

«Many can no longer afford transport or access basic healthcare», explains Gianpietro Campedelli, MSF Project Coordinator in Baraka. «Patients often arrive in critical condition, too late for life-saving treatment».

Displaced civilians face targeted violence during escape

Beyond injuries from active combat, many civilians suffer from trauma and assault-related injuries sustained during dangerous journeys through unstable areas.

Fatou, a 40-year-old woman, now lives with a host family in Mwandiga after fleeing her village of Makobola in haste. «Armed men attacked us during our escape. They stripped us of everything we had. When we left, the village was deserted, and everything we left behind was looted», she recounts.

MSF strengthens health systems against epidemics and conflict injuries

In Baraka, medical facilities are overwhelmed by an influx of conflict-related injuries alongside recurring cholera outbreaks and a surge in malaria cases.

Between January and April 2026, MSF:

• Supported the Baraka General Reference Hospital with medical supplies, logistics, and staff training to handle the surge in injured patients;
• Covered treatment costs for severe cases transferred for life-threatening conditions, including severe malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases;
• Bolstered seven community health sites for early detection of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea cases.

A total of 26,234 patients received care, including 426 war-wounded, 16,574 malaria cases, 2,953 diarrheal cases, and 3,832 pneumonia cases.

MSF also led the cholera response:

• Treated 1,002 patients at the Baraka Cholera Treatment Center (CTC) since January;
• Distributed hygiene kits;
• Installed chlorine points and repaired manual water pumps in Baraka, Mwangaza, and Mushimbakye;
• Distributed 488 essential item kits (soap, blankets, plates, and mosquito nets) in Monge Monge camp, along with hygiene kits for 870 women.

Broader humanitarian mobilization is urgently needed

Currently, MSF teams are expanding efforts in sexual and reproductive health and care for sexual violence survivors at the Baraka health center, while continuing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities in the Monge Monge displacement camp.

Despite ongoing efforts, the situation remains dire. «While MSF’s presence is vital, it cannot meet all the needs alone. A stronger commitment from other humanitarian actors is essential to support populations facing extreme health and social vulnerabilities», concludes Gianpietro Campedelli.