Escalating violence drives massive displacement surge

Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Congo River Alliance (AFC)/M23 and their respective allies across the Fizi Highlands have exacerbated long-standing intercommunal tensions. This surge in violence has triggered massive new waves of displacement. The number of displaced persons in the region has now surpassed five million, 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, the vast majority of displaced individuals have sought refuge with host families or in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps such as Monge Monge. Access to clean water, food, and basic healthcare remains severely constrained for both local residents and displaced communities.

Distance and cost barriers block critical healthcare access

Prolonged conflict has stripped many displaced families of their livelihoods. In response, MSF has intensified its medical outreach and expanded care services for communities devastated by violence.

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

«Many families, deprived of resources, can no longer afford transportation or even basic healthcare», explains Gianpietro Campedelli, MSF Project Coordinator in Baraka. «Patients frequently arrive at health facilities in critical condition, often too late to receive life-saving treatment».

Civilians fleeing violence face targeted attacks

Beyond injuries directly tied to combat, many displaced individuals suffer from trauma and injuries sustained during their escape, particularly when traveling through highly unstable zones.

Fatou, a 40-year-old woman now staying with a host family in Mwandiga, fled her village of Makobola in haste. «During our escape, armed men struck me. They robbed us of everything we had. By the time we left, the village was deserted, and everything left behind was looted», she recounts.

MSF bolsters health system amid conflict-related injuries, epidemics, and surging cases

In Baraka, healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by a dual crisis: a surge in conflict-related injuries alongside recurrent cholera outbreaks and a sharp rise in malaria cases. These compounding emergencies have pushed local health systems to their limits.

Between January and April 2026, MSF’s interventions included:

• Strengthening Baraka General Reference Hospital through medical supply deliveries, logistical support, and staff training to better handle the influx of wounded patients;
• Covering treatment costs for severe cases, particularly advanced malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases, including patient transfers;
• Supporting seven community health sites for rapid detection of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea cases.

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

MSF teams have also played a pivotal role in epidemic response:

• 1,002 patients treated at the Cholera Treatment Center (CTC) in Baraka since January;
• Hygiene kit distributions;
• Installation of chlorination points and repair of manual water pumps in Baraka, Mwangaza, and Mushimbakye;
• Distribution of 488 essential item kits (soap, blankets, plates, and mosquito nets) in Monge Monge IDP camp, plus hygiene kits for 870 women in the same camp.

Broader humanitarian mobilization is urgently needed

Currently, MSF’s teams are focusing on reproductive health services and care for survivors of sexual violence at Baraka’s health center, while continuing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) initiatives in Monge Monge’s IDP camp.

Yet, the crisis persists. «While MSF’s presence is vital, it alone cannot meet the overwhelming needs», Campedelli emphasizes. «A stronger, coordinated response from the broader humanitarian community is essential to address the deepening health and social vulnerabilities facing these populations».