from JEAN KASSONGO in Kinshasa, DRC
DRC Bureau
KINSHASA, (CAJ News) – MORE people than ever are food insecure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid conflict in the east.
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), there is a significant increase in acutely food insecure people from 25,5 million in September 2024 to 28 million in March 2025.
These numbers, an update of the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC), include 3,9 million people at emergency levels of hunger (IPC Phase 4).
“This represents the highest number ever recorded in the DRC,” lamented a WFP spokesperson.
“The ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC is having a drastic impact on food security.”
Mass displacement, destruction of refugee camps and rising food prices have been identified as key drivers for a spike in food insecurity especially in North and South Kivu.
WFP reports that it is navigating the complex operational context balancing its humanitarian mandate, impartiality and duty of care responsibilities towards its staff.
The security situation remains volatile, with active fighting between the March 23 Movement (M23) and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) in several territories of North and South Kivu.
In addition, DRC continues to battle a health crisis, with rising cases of Mpox, measles and cholera.
– CAJ News