We turn now to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where a humanitarian crisis is rapidly unfolding. The town of Bambo, located in the volatile Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province, is now overwhelmed as thousands flee intensifying clashes between armed groups and government forces.
The renewed violence, which reignited in mid-May, involves the M23/AFC armed group and the Congolese military, alongside their respective allies. The result: widespread displacement, decimated villages, and civilians caught in the crossfire.
According to reports from Doctors Without Borders — or MSF — more than 12,000 families have poured into Bambo, seeking safety after witnessing harrowing scenes of bombings, looting, and even reported summary executions. Many of these displaced families are now living in overcrowded homes, while others are crammed into schools, churches, and makeshift shelters — often with no mattresses, no mosquito nets, and dangerously limited access to clean water or sanitation.
One displaced resident told MSF: “On May 17, armed men ordered the entire village to evacuate. The next day, bombs rained down. We fled on foot, left everything behind. Now we have no shelter. It’s hard to find water. We feel humiliated living like this.”
Bambo’s already fragile infrastructure is buckling under the strain. The general referral hospital — supported by MSF — has been inundated with injured civilians. On May 15 alone, 20 wounded patients were admitted, with three dying from their injuries. Just eleven days later, another ten injured civilians arrived after fresh clashes in the area.
Medical teams are stretched to the limit. They’re treating not only the wounded but also a growing number of severely malnourished children. MSF’s 19-bed intensive care unit for these young patients has been full for over a week, with more expected to arrive in the coming days.
In addition to hunger and trauma, public health threats are rising. Despite a vaccination drive that immunized nearly 40,000 children in the area, new measles cases are being reported — especially among recent arrivals. And with overcrowded conditions and limited sanitation, there are growing fears of potential cholera outbreaks.
François Calas, MSF’s head of programs in DRC, warned that the current conditions are escalating already dire health risks. MSF has distributed aid to over a thousand families and is expanding hospital capacity, but the needs far outstrip the response.
Another alarming trend: an increase in consultations for survivors of sexual violence — a grim sign of the vulnerabilities women and girls face in this chaotic environment.
Tonight, as conflict rages on and aid remains thin, the people of Bambo and surrounding villages face an urgent need for international support. MSF is calling for immediate action — not just to assist the wounded, but to safeguard thousands who now depend on humanitarian intervention for their survival.
We will continue to follow this developing crisis and bring you updates as they unfold.
Reporting by Ehud Moore.
