Fighting Intensifies, Thousands Displaced Without Humanitarian Assistance in Fizi

South Kivu, February 4, 2026 - Thousands of displaced people in Fizi, South Kivu, are living in inhumane conditions, lacking water, food, and healthcare, as ongoing fighting between the Congolese army (FARDC) and allies against AFC/M23 rebels worsens the humanitarian crisis. Authorities report that at least one million inhabitants have fled their homes along various routes within the territory.

On the orders of armed groups, no displacement camps have been established, forcing people to stay with host families and struggle daily for survival.

In Ekengya village, located dozens of kilometers from Fizi town, nearly two thousand displaced people face severe hardships. Angela Mauwa Ndone, a mother of eight who fled Point Zero, described her plight:

“I am suffering greatly. Since I arrived here, my children have stopped going to school. You might find me pounding this small amount of corn; it’s today’s ration, and I don’t know where to find the rest for tomorrow. I am appealing to the Congolese government and its partners for assistance.”

Malyani Makambe, chief of Ekengya, emphasized that displaced people are exposed to disease and unable to afford healthcare fees.

“We have 1,883 displaced people from Point Zero, Rugezi, Kavanja, Kitumba, and other areas. They fled, leaving everything behind. Here, they have no access to drinking water or healthcare, and cannot pay the 50,000 to 100,000 Congolese francs required for treatment.”

Residents remain at risk from ongoing gunfire. Local observer Maurice Musema explained that with each battle in Point Zero or the Mitumba mountains, fear grips the population, who dread further escalation.

The displaced communities are calling for government intervention and comprehensive strategies to end the conflict, which is seen as the only way to stop uncontrolled displacement.

Children are out of school, some are malnourished, and adults remain uncertain about the future, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Fizi.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is working to address immediate needs, though the complexity of the crisis continues to grow daily due to ongoing fighting.