escalating violence fuels massive displacement

Clashes involving the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23, alongside their respective allies in the Fizi Highlands, continue to exacerbate long-standing inter-community tensions. This surge in violence has triggered new, large-scale population displacements. The number of internally displaced persons across the region has climbed to nearly five million, with 1.9 million specifically in South Kivu and Maniema.

Lacking adequate reception facilities, almost all displaced individuals have sought refuge with host families or in camps for displaced persons, such as Monge Monge. Access to vital resources like water, food, and basic healthcare remains a significant challenge for both local residents and the displaced population.

long distances and costs impede access to vital care

With ongoing conflicts plaguing the region, numerous displaced families have lost their livelihoods. In response to this dire situation, MSF is adapting its operations and enhancing its healthcare services for communities impacted by the violence.

Ikupe Roger, a 60-year-old man, recounted fleeing his village a year and a half ago to escape the hostilities. “When the fighting erupted, I left with my wife and our eight children to save our lives,” he shared. “My main concern today is simply being able to remain in Baraka, despite the violence and insecurity. Before MSF arrived, there was almost no access to medical care. Paying over 100,000 Congolese francs for treatment is simply out of reach.” To provide for his children, he relies on farming, fishing, and raising a small number of poultry. Yet, despite these relentless efforts, living conditions remain exceptionally precarious.

“Stripped of resources, many can no longer afford transportation or access basic healthcare,” explained Gianpietro Campedelli, MSF’s project coordinator in Baraka. Consequently, many patients arrive at health facilities in a critical state, often too late to receive life-saving treatment.

civilians fleeing violence targeted

Beyond injuries directly sustained in clashes, many individuals also suffer from trauma and wounds inflicted during assaults encountered en route, particularly while traversing highly unstable areas.

Fatou, a 40-year-old woman now residing with a host family in Mwandiga, described her urgent flight from her village of Makobola. “During our escape, I was beaten by armed men. We were also stripped of everything we owned. When we left, the village was deserted, and everything we left behind was looted,” she recounted.

msf bolsters health system against epidemics and influx of wounded

In Baraka, health facilities are grappling simultaneously with an influx of conflict-related injuries, recurrent cholera epidemics, and a significant rise in malaria cases. Overwhelmed by this convergence of emergencies, healthcare structures struggle to cope.

In response to these urgent needs, between January and April 2026, MSF has: 

• Supported the Baraka General Referral Hospital through medical and logistical supplies, as well as training sessions for healthcare personnel, to better manage the influx of injured patients;
• Covered the treatment costs for patients transferred due to severe conditions, including severe forms of malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases;
• Backed seven community healthcare sites for the rapid detection of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea cases.

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

Our teams have also been instrumental in the response to epidemics: 

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

broader mobilization of other actors is crucial

Currently, our teams are focusing their efforts on reproductive health and care for survivors of sexual violence at the Baraka health center, while also continuing their water, hygiene, and sanitation initiatives within the Monge Monge displaced persons camp.

Nevertheless, the situation remains deeply concerning. Despite the ongoing interventions, the needs far outstrip the available response. “MSF’s presence, though vital, is not enough to cover all the needs. A broader mobilization of other humanitarian actors is absolutely essential to assist populations who remain highly vulnerable to health and social crises,” concluded Gianpietro Campedelli.