WFP Warns of Soaring Hunger Crisis in Eastern DRC Amid Funding Shortages

Geneva – The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning about the escalating hunger crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), revealing that it can only reach a fraction of those in dire need due to severe funding shortfalls and significant logistical hurdles. The agency reports that millions are facing crisis levels of food insecurity, with the situation rapidly deteriorating.

Alarming Hunger Statistics Highlight Critical Need

Speaking from Kinshasa at a UN press conference, Cynthia Jones, WFP Director for the DRC, painted a grim picture of the food security situation in the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika. "One in three people in these provinces are facing crisis levels of hunger or worse," she stated. "That's over 10 million people."

The severity of the crisis is further underscored by the fact that a significant portion of this population is experiencing emergency levels of hunger. "Of that, an alarming 3 million people are in emergency levels of hunger," Jones emphasized. "This is 75 percent of all those in such conditions nationwide and an increase of 700,000 since March 2025."

Complex Factors Fueling the Crisis

The surge in hunger is attributed to a complex interplay of factors, including ongoing armed conflict, displacement of populations, economic instability, and the lingering effects of climate change. Decades of conflict involving various armed groups have disrupted agricultural production, trade routes, and access to essential services, pushing vulnerable communities to the brink.

According to Dr. Emmanuel Kabemba, a political analyst specializing in the DRC at the University of Lubumbashi, "The cyclical violence creates a perpetual state of instability. People are constantly being displaced, unable to plant or harvest crops, and markets are disrupted, leading to chronic food insecurity. The international community needs to address the root causes of the conflict to achieve sustainable solutions."

WFP Operations Hampered by Funding Gaps and Access Issues

Despite the urgent need, the WFP is struggling to provide adequate assistance due to critical funding gaps and significant challenges in accessing affected populations. Remote areas, insecurity, and poor infrastructure hinder the delivery of food aid to those who need it most. The WFP is appealing to the international community to urgently increase funding to support its life-saving operations.

“Without adequate funding, we are forced to make difficult choices about who receives assistance and who doesn’t,” Jones explained. “This is unacceptable when millions of lives are at stake.” The WFP is prioritizing assistance to the most vulnerable, including internally displaced persons, malnourished children, and pregnant and lactating women.

Historical Context and Current Challenges in the DRC

The DRC's history of political instability and armed conflict has had a devastating impact on its food security. The legacy of colonialism, coupled with weak governance, corruption, and competition over natural resources, has fueled instability and hindered development. The eastern DRC has been particularly affected by persistent conflict, creating a humanitarian crisis that has spanned decades.

The current crisis is further compounded by the impact of climate change, with erratic rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events affecting agricultural production. The DRC is highly vulnerable to climate change, despite contributing very little to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Call for Increased International Support

The WFP is urging the international community to step up its support for the DRC, not only through increased funding for humanitarian assistance but also through long-term investments in peacebuilding, development, and climate resilience. A multi-faceted approach is needed to address the root causes of the crisis and build a more sustainable future for the people of the DRC.

As Professor Amani Buhanga, a specialist in African development at the Institute for Strategic Studies in Nairobi, notes, "Humanitarian aid is essential in the short term, but it's not a long-term solution. The international community needs to work with the Congolese government and civil society to address the underlying issues of governance, security, and economic development that are driving the crisis. This requires a sustained and coordinated effort."