Surge in violence drives mass displacement

Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23 and their allied factions across the Fizi Highlands have exacerbated long-standing intercommunal tensions. This violence has triggered fresh waves of large-scale population displacement. Nearly five million people have been forced from their homes 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).

In the absence of 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 healthcare remains severely constrained for both local residents and displaced populations.

Distance and cost barriers block access to healthcare

As ongoing violence has destroyed livelihoods, many displaced families have lost their primary income sources. In response, MSF is scaling up its medical operations to better serve communities affected by these crises.

Ikupe Roger, 60, fled his village a year and a half ago to escape the 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 is impossible for most». To support his family, he relies on farming, fishing, and small-scale poultry farming. Despite relentless effort, living conditions remain extremely difficult.

«Many are now unable to afford transport or basic medical care», explains Gianpietro Campedelli, MSF’s Project Coordinator in Baraka. «Patients often arrive at health facilities in critical condition, too late to receive life-saving treatment».

Civilians fleeing violence face targeted attacks

Beyond injuries directly linked to armed confrontations, many civilians suffer additional harm, including trauma and injuries sustained during attacks along escape routes, particularly when crossing unstable areas.

Fatou, a 40-year-old woman, now lives with a host family in Mwandiga after fleeing her village of Makobola in haste. «During our escape, armed men attacked us and stripped us of everything we had. Our village was abandoned, and everything left behind was looted», she shares.

MSF bolsters health systems amid epidemics and injury surge

In Baraka, health facilities are overwhelmed by a dual crisis: an influx of war-wounded patients, recurrent cholera outbreaks, and a sharp rise in malaria cases. Medical centers are struggling to cope with the mounting emergencies.

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

• Supporting the Baraka General Referral Hospital with medical supplies, logistical aid, and staff training to manage the surge in wounded patients;
• Covering treatment costs for severe cases, including severe malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases, for transferred patients;
• Strengthening seven community health sites to detect and treat malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea promptly.

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

MSF’s teams also responded to disease outbreaks:

• Since January, 1,002 patients have been treated at the MSF-supported Baraka Cholera Treatment Center (CTC);
• Distribution of hygiene kits;
• Installation of chlorination points and repair of manual water pumps in Baraka, Mwangaza, and Mushimbakye;
• Provision of 488 essential item kits (soap, blankets, plates, and mosquito nets) in Monge Monge displacement camp, along with hygiene kits for 870 women in the same camp.

Expanded humanitarian mobilization urgently needed

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

Despite ongoing interventions, the gap between needs and available resources remains vast. «While MSF’s presence is vital, it is not enough to meet all the needs», says Gianpietro Campedelli. «A broader mobilization of humanitarian actors is essential to support populations facing severe health and social vulnerabilities».