Title: DR Congo Facing One of the World’s Worst Food Crises, UN Warns
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is grappling with one of the most severe food crises globally, according to the UN-supported Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). The scale and urgency of the crisis are staggering, as millions struggle daily to access enough food.
Eric Perdison, the World Food Programme’s (WFP) Regional Director for Southern Africa and interim Country Director for DRC, described the rapidly worsening humanitarian conditions: “Families who were already struggling to feed themselves are now facing an even harsher reality.”
The IPC reports that 3.9 million people in the DRC are suffering from Phase 4 “emergency” levels of food insecurity, while another 23.8 million are categorized under Phase 3, indicating a “crisis” level. On the IPC’s five-tier scale, Phase 5 represents famine.
Crisis Deepens in Conflict Zones
The eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika are hardest hit. Prolonged conflict has devastated communities, separating people from their livelihoods and livestock. Armed groups, notably the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, have seized control of major cities including Goma and Bukavu, further destabilizing the region.
According to IPC mapping, the renewed violence that began in December has pushed an additional 2.5 million people into acute food insecurity.
Internally Displaced Bear the Brunt
“The situation is particularly dire for those displaced by conflict,” WFP stressed in a joint statement with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes, including many who were staying in camps around Goma and the South Kivu districts of Kalehe and Uvira. All displacement camps in the Goma region are now empty, as people have fled once again.
Out of the 3.7 million internally displaced people (IDPs) who were living in camps in eastern DRC, 2.2 million are now in IPC Phase 3 (crisis) and 738,000 are in IPC Phase 4 (emergency). Across the country, more than 7.8 million people are displaced, most of them living with host families in the east.
WFP has resumed some operations in North and South Kivu, but Perdison emphasized that “much more support is needed, and urgently.”
“Armed clashes continue to disrupt food production and trade routes, limiting humanitarian access and endangering lives,” he added.
Economic Collapse Fuels Hunger
The food crisis is being compounded by a worsening economic situation. Inflation has surged, the Congolese franc has sharply depreciated, and bank closures have cut off access to income. Essential items like maize flour, cassava flour, and palm oil have soared in price—up to 37% higher than before the crisis escalated in December 2024.
Despite the challenges, WFP has managed to provide food or cash assistance to 464,000 people in accessible areas of eastern DRC this year, including 237,000 individuals in Bunia. In parallel, WFP and FAO are implementing resilience programs, including skills training for improved food security in North and South Kivu.
“The situation is dire. Harvests are lost, food prices are soaring, and millions are in acute need,” said Athman Mravili, FAO’s interim Representative in the DRC.
A Call for Global Action
To meet the urgent needs of the population and support 6.4 million people over the next six months, WFP requires $399 million. The agency says this funding is critical not only for immediate food aid but also for building sustainable solutions.
“WFP and FAO are urging the international community to increase their financial support and ease humanitarian access,” the agencies said. “Without swift action, a full-scale catastrophe is looming.”
For more information on how hunger is classified, visit the UN’s explainer here.
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