Congo's Hunger Crisis: A Nation on the Brink

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 28 million people face acute hunger, exacerbated by conflict and inflation. Millions have been displaced due to ongoing battles between the government and rebels. Humanitarian agencies face challenges as donor cuts strain resources to tackle the escalating crisis.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is witnessing an unprecedented hunger crisis, with 28 million people facing acute food insecurity. This alarming situation is largely driven by an intensified conflict involving government forces and Rwandan-backed rebels in the eastern region, according to a report from the United Nations.

The United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) disclosed that, since the latest surge of violence in December, an additional 2.5 million people have become acutely hungry. Currently, 3.9 million people are experiencing emergency levels of hunger, classified as Phase 4 by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).

Amid escalating violence and economic challenges, humanitarian efforts are being hampered by cuts in foreign aid from the U.S. and other major donors. With ongoing fighting displacing vast numbers and inflation compounding access to food, the crisis in Congo highlights the urgent need for international support and intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)