Violence escalation drives mass displacement

Clashes between the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC)/M23 and their allies across the Fizi Highlands have intensified long-standing intercommunal tensions. This surge in violence has triggered fresh waves of mass displacement. Nearly five million people are now displaced across the region, including 1.9 million in South Kivu and Maniema, according to UNOCHA data.

Without adequate shelter solutions, most displaced individuals have sought refuge with host families or in makeshift camps like Monge Monge. Access to clean water, nutritious food, and basic medical care remains a persistent challenge for both locals and displaced populations alike.

Distance and cost barriers block healthcare access

The prolonged conflict has stripped many displaced families of their livelihoods. In response, MSF is scaling up its medical outreach to communities grappling with these violent disruptions.

Sixty-year-old Ikupe Roger 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 biggest worry now is staying in Baraka despite the violence and insecurity. Before MSF arrived, healthcare access was almost nonexistent. Paying over 100,000 Congolese francs for treatment is simply unaffordable». To support his family, he relies on farming, fishing, and a small poultry operation. Despite relentless effort, living conditions remain precarious.

«Deprived of income, many can no longer afford transport or basic healthcare», says Gianpietro Campedelli, MSF’s Baraka Project Coordinator. «Patients often arrive at health facilities in critical condition, too late to receive life-saving care».

Civilians fleeing violence face targeted attacks

Beyond injuries from direct clashes, many bear the scars of trauma and assaults sustained during displacement, particularly when traversing volatile zones.

Forty-year-old Fatou now lives with a host family in Mwandiga after fleeing Makobola in haste. «Armed men attacked us during our escape. They stole everything we had. By the time we left, the village was deserted, and all our belongings were looted», she recounts.

MSF bolsters health systems against epidemics and wounded influx

In Baraka, facilities are overwhelmed by war-wounded arrivals, recurring cholera outbreaks, and a sharp rise in malaria cases. With resources stretched thin, health centers struggle to cope.

From January to April 2026, MSF’s interventions included:

• Bolstering Baraka’s General Reference Hospital with medical supplies, logistical support, and staff training to better handle the wounded surge;
• Covering treatment costs for severe cases, including severe malaria, acute respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases;
• Supporting seven community health sites for early detection of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea cases.

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

Teams also spearheaded cholera response efforts:

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

Wider humanitarian mobilization urgently needed

Currently, teams are prioritizing reproductive healthcare and care for sexual violence survivors at Baraka’s health center while continuing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) activities in Monge Monge’s displaced persons camp.

Despite ongoing efforts, needs far outstrip available resources. «While MSF’s presence is vital, it cannot meet all the demands. A broader mobilization from other humanitarian actors is essential to support populations facing persistent health and social vulnerabilities», concludes Gianpietro Campedelli.