escalating violence fuels massive population displacement

Clashes between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23, along with their respective allies in the Fizi Highlands, continue to exacerbate long-standing intercommunal tensions. This surge in violence has triggered substantial new waves of population displacement. The number of internally displaced persons across the region has now reached nearly five million, with 1.9 million of these concentrated in South Kivu and Maniema.

In the absence of adequate reception facilities, almost all displaced individuals have sought refuge either with host families or in makeshift displacement camps, such as Monge Monge. Access to basic necessities like water, food, and essential healthcare remains a formidable challenge for both local communities and the displaced.

long distances and high costs hinder healthcare access

With persistent conflicts plaguing the region, numerous displaced families have been stripped of their income sources. In response to this dire situation, MSF is adapting its strategy and enhancing its provision of care to communities severely impacted by the violence.

Ikupe Roger, a 60-year-old man, recounted his flight from 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 primary concern today is to be able to remain in Baraka, despite the climate of violence and insecurity. Before MSF’s arrival, there was almost no access to healthcare. Paying over 100,000 Congolese francs for treatment is simply out of reach.” To provide for his children, he relies on agriculture, fishing, and a small poultry farm. Despite his relentless efforts, living conditions remain exceptionally precarious.

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

civilians fleeing violence targeted

Beyond injuries directly sustained in clashes, many individuals also suffer from trauma and physical harm inflicted during assaults experienced while in transit, particularly when moving through highly unstable areas.

Fatou, a 40-year-old woman now residing with a host family in Mwandiga, vividly described her urgent escape from her village of Makobola. “During our flight, 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 had been looted,” she recounted.

msf bolsters health system amidst epidemics and influx of wounded

In Baraka, health establishments are simultaneously contending with a surge of conflict-related injuries, recurrent cholera epidemics, and a significant increase in malaria cases. Overwhelmed by this confluence of emergencies, healthcare facilities are struggling to cope.

In response to these critical urgencies, between January and April 2026, MSF has:

• Provided support to the Baraka General Referral Hospital through medical and logistical supplies, as well as training sessions for healthcare staff, to enhance their capacity to manage the influx of injured patients;
• Covered the treatment costs for patients transferred with severe pathologies, including severe forms of malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases;
• Supported seven community healthcare sites for the rapid detection of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea cases.

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

Our teams have also played a crucial role in the response to epidemics:

• 1,002 patients have been treated at the Baraka Cholera Treatment Centre (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 (containing soap, blankets, plates, and mosquito nets) within the Monge Monge camp, and feminine hygiene kits to 870 women in the same camp.

broader mobilization of other actors becomes essential

Currently, our teams are concentrating their efforts on reproductive health services and providing care for survivors of sexual violence at the Baraka health center, while simultaneously continuing their water, hygiene, and sanitation initiatives within the Monge Monge displacement camp.

Nevertheless, the situation remains deeply concerning. Despite the ongoing interventions, the needs far exceed the available response. “MSF’s presence, while absolutely essential, is not enough to cover the entirety of the needs. A broader mobilization of other humanitarian actors is more than necessary to assist populations who remain highly exposed to health and social vulnerabilities,” concluded Gianpietro Campedelli.