The United Nations has issued a warning regarding the worsening hunger crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), endangering the lives of its population and hindering development. According to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), one in four individuals in the DRC is affected by severe hunger, impacting approximately 25.6 million people.
FAO officials stated that despite the DRC's fertile land and abundant water resources, the country has failed to achieve food self-sufficiency due to escalating conflicts. Peter Musoko, the country director and representative of the World Food Programme in the DRC, emphasized the need for collaboration with the government and humanitarian community to increase resources for this neglected crisis.
A recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report indicates that nearly all regions in the DRC are affected by the hunger crisis, with five levels reflecting severe risk. Furthermore, 3.1 million individuals, primarily displaced persons and returnees in northeastern DRC, are experiencing acute food shortages, high levels of malnutrition, and an increased risk of death related to hunger.
Ariistid Ongoni, a representative of FAO, highlighted the necessity for action and adequate livelihood support to assist affected families through targeted interventions addressing the impacts of climate change in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock sectors.
The situation is particularly concerning for vulnerable communities in northern provinces, where over 6.5 million people are displaced. The Tanganyika province has faced severe flooding and is now identified as the most food-insecure area in the DRC.
In 2024, FAO requires $233.9 million to implement relief projects in the DRC. By the end of September, the organization had assisted three million people out of a targeted 3.6 million but noted the need for additional financial resources to address the current gaps.