The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to worsen, with the World Food Program (WFP) facing an urgent funding need of US$500 million. Increasing violence is leading to massive population displacements, exacerbating the food crisis in the country.
In a recent statement, WFP revealed that it had already tripled the number of people benefiting from its emergency operations in eastern DRC, from 400,000 to 1.3 million people. However, due to insufficient funds, the UN agency is unable to continue providing vital assistance to these vulnerable people.
Women and girls, particularly those living in displaced persons camps, are the most affected by this crisis. They are constantly exposed to risks of sexual violence, particularly when they leave the camps to look for firewood or other essential resources.
The WFP is therefore launching an urgent appeal to the international community for funding of $550 million, of which at least $425 million is needed for the next six months in the DRC, with emphasis on the eastern provinces. where the situation is most critical.
This humanitarian crisis highlights the urgency of concerted action to meet the basic needs of the Congolese population. It is essential that the international community mobilizes quickly to support the efforts of the WFP and other humanitarian actors to prevent a major humanitarian catastrophe in the DRC.