The United Nations has reported that 28 million people are now facing acute hunger in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) due to the escalating conflict between M23 rebels and the national army.
According to the UN, 10 million of those at risk of famine are in the eastern regions, where violence and killings have surged since January. In a joint statement, the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned that the humanitarian crisis has reached “unprecedented levels” due to the ongoing conflict.
The statement noted that renewed fighting at the end of last year has led to an increase in hunger levels, with 28 million people now affected, up from 25.8 million the previous year. Othmane Maravyli, the acting FAO representative in the DRC, described the situation as “catastrophic and alarming,” as food supplies dwindle, prices soar, and millions face food insecurity.
The joint statement also highlighted that the depreciation of the Congolese franc has worsened the crisis, making it harder for many to afford food. Earlier this month, the UN issued urgent appeals for action to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC.
The rise in hunger levels comes amid growing concerns from international relief organizations over their ability to provide aid. This is due to funding cuts from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which accounts for 40% of global humanitarian assistance.
The DRC continues to suffer from dire humanitarian conditions, with the ongoing clashes between M23 rebels and government forces displacing approximately four million people in North and South Kivu provinces in the east of the country.
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), more than 100,000 refugees have fled to neighboring countries since January. This includes 69,000 to Burundi, 29,000 to Uganda, and around 1,000 to Rwanda and Tanzania.
Meanwhile, the A3+ Group at the UN Security Council expressed “deep concern” on Thursday over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern DRC. The group reaffirmed its “strong commitment” to the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability.
