28 Million Face Severe Hunger in Eastern DR Congo

A staggering 28 million people, or roughly a quarter of the population, are suffering from severe food insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the country.

This alarming figure, reported by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative, highlights the magnitude of the crisis that continues to affect millions.

According to the *Zoom Eco* news outlet, in addition to armed conflicts, factors such as population displacement, soaring food prices, and recurring epidemics are significantly contributing to the ongoing food security crisis. 

The eastern provinces, particularly North Kivu and South Kivu, are among the hardest hit by this devastating situation.

The latest report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification initiative reveals an alarming deterioration in the humanitarian needs in the DRC. The conflict, combined with skyrocketing food prices, has pushed an additional 2.5 million people into a state of acute food insecurity.

This has resulted in a record-breaking total of 28 million people facing severe food insecurity. Among them, 3.9 million individuals are experiencing emergency levels of hunger (classified as phase four in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification).

The health situation is equally dire, as intensified armed conflicts and mass displacement are facilitating the spread of infectious diseases while hindering effective medical testing and responses.

The report highlights that between January and mid-March 2025, 12,600 cholera cases were recorded across the country, with a fatality rate of 2%. Additionally, 15,200 confirmed cases of monkeypox were reported in 2025, with a mortality rate of 1.9%.

To address this grave situation, the World Food Programme (WFP) has announced that it requires an additional $399 million to sustain its operations until August 2025.

The WFP also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian consequences linked to the ongoing closure of Goma and Kavumu airports, looting of warehouses, liquidity issues due to bank closures, and restrictions on food imports, all of which exacerbate the already critical food insecurity crisis in the region.