Conflict escalation triggers massive 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 across the Fizi Highlands have exacerbated longstanding intercommunal tensions. This surge in violence has led to a fresh wave of mass displacements. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the region has now exceeded five million, including 1.9 million in South-Kivu and Maniema, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

With inadequate reception facilities, 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 a persistent challenge for both locals and the displaced.

Distance and cost barriers block access to healthcare

Years of conflict have stripped many displaced families of their livelihoods. In response, MSF is scaling up its medical interventions 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 erupted, I left with my wife and eight children to save our lives », he recalls. « My greatest concern 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 beyond reach ». To support his family, he relies on farming, fishing, and a small poultry operation. Despite his efforts, living conditions remain dire.

« Without income, many can no longer afford transportation or basic healthcare », explains Gianpietro Campedelli, MSF Project Coordinator in Baraka. Many patients arrive at health facilities in critical condition, often too late for life-saving care.

Civilians fleeing violence face targeted attacks

Beyond injuries from direct clashes, many endure trauma and harm inflicted during their journeys, particularly when moving through volatile areas.

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

MSF bolsters health systems amid epidemics and rising injuries

In Baraka, health facilities are overwhelmed by a dual crisis: an influx of conflict-related injuries, recurring cholera outbreaks, and a sharp rise in malaria cases. Strained beyond capacity, these centers struggle to cope.

Between January and April 2026, MSF implemented the following measures:

• Supported the Baraka General Referral Hospital with medical supplies, logistics, and staff training to better handle the surge in casualties;
• Covered treatment costs for severe cases, including advanced malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases;
• Strengthened seven community health sites to detect and treat malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea early.

In total, 26,234 patients were treated, including 426 war-wounded, 16,574 for malaria, 2,953 for diarrheal diseases, and 3,832 for pneumonia.

MSF’s teams also led the response to public health emergencies:

• 1,002 patients were treated at the MSF-supported Baraka Cholera Treatment Center (CTC) since January;
• Distributed hygiene kits;
• Installed chlorination points and repaired manual water pumps in Baraka, Mwangaza, and Mushimbakye;
• Distributed 488 essential item kits (soap, blankets, plates, mosquito nets) in Monge Monge displacement camp and hygiene kits to 870 women in the same camp.

Broader humanitarian mobilization is urgently needed

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

Yet challenges persist. Despite ongoing efforts, the needs far outstrip available resources. « While MSF’s presence is vital, it alone cannot meet all the needs. A stronger commitment from other humanitarian actors is essential to support populations facing severe health and social vulnerabilities », concludes Gianpietro Campedelli.