World Food Programme Briefs on DRC Food Insecurity Crisis

Unprecedented Food Insecurity in DRC

• 📈 The latest IPC report reveals 27.7 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo are facing acute food insecurity, an unprecedented level since WFP began monitoring in 2008.
• ⚠️ This crisis is concentrated in the eastern DRC, with a significant increase of 2.5 million internally displaced people (IDPs) facing severe needs.
• 💔 The situation has deteriorated rapidly since December, marked by accelerated displacement and disruption of markets.

Contributing Factors to the Crisis

• ⚔️ Conflict and insecurity are primary drivers, paralyzing the local economy and disrupting farming activities.
• 💸 Economic impacts include the closure of banks in eastern DRC, leading to a liquidity crisis and increased commodity prices.
• 🏠 Widespread displacement has forced millions to flee their homes, often multiple times, leading to immense trauma and loss.

Humanitarian Challenges and Operations

• 📉 WFP's reach has been significantly impacted; in December 2024, 1.8 million people were reached, compared to 600,000 so far in 2025, due to operational disruptions.
• ✈️ The closure of the Goma airport since January is a major impediment, affecting the delivery of humanitarian aid and staff access.
• 🏦 Banks remaining shut in eastern DRC exacerbate the liquidity crisis, making it difficult for people to afford basic necessities.

DRC's Untapped Potential and Human Impact

• 🌱 Despite being one of the world's most fertile countries with abundant water resources, DRC only cultivates a fraction of its arable land.
• 😔 The conflict, high food and fuel prices, and poor infrastructure prevent the exploitation of this potential, pushing people further into hunger.
• 🗣️ Personal testimonies highlight the struggle for survival, the loss of homes and livelihoods, and the deep yearning for peace to resume farming and rebuild lives.