violence surge triggers unprecedented population displacement

Intensified fighting between the armed forces of the democratic republic of Congo (fardc) and the alliance fleuve Congo (afc)/m23 has exacerbated longstanding intercommunal tensions across the highlands of fizi. This surge in violence has forced hundreds of thousands from their homes, swelling the ranks of internally displaced persons to nearly five million nationwide—including 1.9 million in south kivu and maniema alone, according to humanitarian monitoring sources.

With inadequate shelter solutions, displaced families have largely relied on host families or makeshift camps such as monge monge. Access to clean water, food, and basic healthcare remains severely constrained for both residents and displaced populations.

distance and cost block lifesaving medical care

The prolonged conflict has stripped countless displaced households of their livelihoods. In response, msf has expanded its medical services to meet the growing needs of communities ravaged 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 recalled. «my biggest fear now is staying in baraka amid the constant violence and insecurity. before msf arrived, medical care was nearly impossible to access—and even now, expenses like transport and treatment fees exceed 100,000 congolese francs, which is unaffordable for most». To support his family, he relies on farming, fishing, and small-scale poultry raising, yet daily survival remains a struggle.

«many people have lost their ability to pay for transport or basic healthcare», explains Gianpietro Campedelli, msf project coordinator in baraka. «patients often arrive at health facilities in critical condition, too late for effective treatment».

displaced civilians face targeted violence and trauma

Beyond injuries from active clashes, many displaced individuals suffer from deep psychological wounds and physical assaults endured during chaotic escapes through volatile zones.

Fatou, 40, 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. when we left, our village was abandoned—and everything we owned was looted», she shared.

msf strengthens health systems amid epidemics and war injuries

In baraka, healthcare facilities are overwhelmed by a dual crisis: an influx of war-wounded patients alongside surging cases of cholera outbreaks and malaria. Overwhelmed by simultaneous emergencies, local health centers struggle to cope.

From january to april 2026, msf:

• reinforced the baraka general referral hospital with medical supplies, logistical support, and staff training to handle the surge in trauma cases;
• covered treatment costs for patients with severe illnesses, including life-threatening malaria, acute respiratory infections, and severe diarrhea;
• supported seven community health sites for early detection of malaria, pneumonia, and diarrheal diseases.

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

msf teams have also led cholera response efforts:

• treated 1,002 patients at the baraka cholera treatment center since january;
• distributed hygiene kits and installed chlorine points;
• repaired manual water pumps in baraka, mwangaza, and mushimbakye;
• delivered 488 essential kits (soap, blankets, dishes, mosquito nets) to monge monge camp and hygiene kits to 870 women.

broader humanitarian mobilization urgently needed

Currently, msf is focusing on reproductive health and care for survivors of sexual violence at baraka health center, while continuing water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives in the monge monge displaced persons camp.

Yet despite these efforts, the crisis persists. «msf’s presence is vital, but insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs», states Gianpietro Campedelli. «a stronger, coordinated response from other humanitarian actors is essential to protect vulnerable populations from ongoing health and social threats».