Rising violence triggers unprecedented population displacement

Clashes between Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23 militants, along with their respective allies, have intensified across the Fizi Highlands. This surge in violence has reignited long-standing intercommunal tensions, forcing nearly five million people from their homes nationwide—including 1.9 million in South Kivu and Maniema provinces according to OCHA estimates. Without adequate shelter solutions, most displaced individuals have sought refuge with host families or in overcrowded displacement camps such as Monge Monge. Access to clean water, food, and basic healthcare remains severely restricted for both local residents and displaced populations.

Distance and cost block critical healthcare access

Many displaced households have lost their livelihoods due to prolonged conflict. In response, MSF is scaling up medical services for communities hardest hit by violence.

Ikupe Roger, 60, fled his village 18 months ago when fighting erupted. «When the gunfire started, I fled with my wife and eight children to save our lives», he recounts. «My greatest fear now is staying in Baraka amid the constant violence. Before MSF arrived, healthcare access was almost nonexistent—and even basic treatment cost over 100,000 Congolese francs, far beyond what we could afford». To support his family, he relies on farming, fishing, and small-scale poultry rearing, yet life remains precarious.

«With no income, families can no longer afford transport or basic medical care», explains Gianpietro Campedelli, MSF Project Coordinator in Baraka. «Many arrive at health facilities in critical condition, often too late for life-saving treatment».

Displaced civilians face targeted violence along escape routes

Beyond injuries from active combat, many civilians endure severe trauma and assault-related injuries during perilous journeys through high-risk zones. Fatou, 40, now lives with a host family in Mwandiga after fleeing Makobola overnight. «Armed men attacked us during our escape. They stole everything we had. Our village was emptied; everything left behind was looted», she shares.

MSF fortifies health systems against epidemics and conflict injuries

Baraka’s health facilities are overwhelmed by a triple crisis: war-wounded patients, recurrent cholera outbreaks, and a sharp rise in malaria cases. Exhausted by simultaneous emergencies, local clinics struggle to cope.

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

• Bolstering Baraka General Referral Hospital with medical supplies, logistical support, and staff training to manage the influx of trauma cases;
• Covering treatment costs for severe illnesses, including life-threatening malaria, acute respiratory infections, and severe diarrhea;
• Supporting seven community health sites for rapid detection of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrheal diseases.

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

The organization also led the epidemic response:

• 1,002 patients treated at the Baraka Cholera Treatment Center (CTC) since January;
• Distribution of hygiene kits and installation of water chlorination points;
• Repairs to manual water pumps in Baraka, Mwangaza, and Mushimbakye;
• Delivery of 488 essential supply kits (soap, blankets, plates, mosquito nets) to Monge Monge displacement camp, along with menstrual hygiene kits for 870 women.

Sustained collective action is urgently required

MSF’s current priorities include reproductive healthcare and care for survivors of sexual violence at Baraka Health Center, alongside water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives in Monge Monge camp. Yet despite these efforts, needs far exceed available resources. «While MSF’s presence is vital, it alone cannot meet the overwhelming demand», states Campedelli. «A broader mobilization from humanitarian actors is essential to protect populations still trapped in cycles of vulnerability and disease».