Violence Fuels Food Crisis in Eastern DR Congo: WFP

As violence escalates in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned of a deepening food crisis both within the country and in neighbouring states, where more than 140,000 Congolese have fled since January.

Armed conflict has plagued eastern DRC for decades, but clashes intensified dramatically this year. In January, M23 rebels seized Goma, the capital of North Kivu, followed by Bukavu in South Kivu a month later.

The deteriorating security situation has been compounded by disease outbreaks. Overcrowding and poor sanitation triggered the spread of anthrax and mpox in April and May, worsening the humanitarian emergency.

WFP reports that 7.9 million people in the conflict-affected eastern provinces are currently food insecure. Across the country, 28 million people require humanitarian assistance.

The Grand Nord region, a key agricultural zone in eastern DRC, has seen food production plummet due to violence and mass displacement. The closure of Goma’s airport—vital for aid delivery—has further hampered relief efforts.

Despite immense challenges, WFP reached 1.1 million people between January and March. Efforts included school meals and take-home rations for 100,000 children, nutritional support for 340,000 children and pregnant or breastfeeding women, and logistics assistance.

However, the crisis has spilled across borders. Over 140,000 Congolese have fled to neighbouring Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania, overwhelming already strained refugee camps.

With resources stretched thin, WFP has been forced to make severe cuts. In Burundi and Rwanda, food rations and cash support have been halved. In Uganda, aid coverage dropped from 1.6 million refugees to 630,000. In Tanzania, rations have been slashed from 82 to 65 per cent.

WFP is urgently appealing for $433 million to sustain emergency operations in the DRC through October. Additional funding needs include $16.6 million for full rations in Burundi through 2025, $12 million to maintain support in Rwanda, $26 million to continue aid in Uganda, and $18 million to deliver 75 per cent rations in Tanzania through April 2026.

WFP warns that without immediate support, millions across the region could face rising hunger and hardship.