Humanitarian crisis in the DRC: an alarming situation requiring international mobilization
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a large-scale humanitarian crisis in the east of the country. A rapid deterioration in the security and food situation has led to critical food insecurity affecting millions of people. Faced with this emergency, the World Food Program (WFP) has stepped up its efforts to provide vital aid, but it faces a glaring lack of funding.
According to Natasha Nadazdin, WFP Deputy Director in the DRC, approximately 23.4 million people are currently in a situation of critical or emergency food insecurity in the country. The provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu are the most affected, with 5.4 million people in urgent need of food aid.
This humanitarian crisis is closely linked to the armed conflicts that have ravaged the region for many years. Clashes between armed groups have led to the massive displacement of populations, the destruction of agricultural infrastructure and limited access to arable land. The provinces of North Kivu and Ituri are particularly affected, with significant activity by the M23 armed group, responsible for massacres and abuses.
Massive population displacements have reached alarming proportions, with nearly 6.4 million people displaced across the country, including 5.3 million in eastern DRC. These displacements continue to increase, with 720,000 new displaced since October in North Kivu alone, fleeing an escalation of violence. This precarious situation aggravates the vulnerability of households and leads to acute food insecurity.
In addition to the unstable security situation, the humanitarian crisis is also marked by massive human rights violations. The M23, in particular, engages in forced recruitment of civilians, thereby contributing to the crisis. Local health systems are overwhelmed, leading to increased outbreaks of measles and cholera in overcrowded camps for displaced people.
The WFP, which carries out vital operations to help affected populations, is facing a significant lack of funding. While WFP’s minimum plan requires $381.2 million for the next six months, the agency needs $567.8 million to maintain its larger-scale operations.
Faced with this critical situation, it is essential that the international community steps up its financial support to stem this humanitarian crisis which threatens hundreds of thousands of lives.. Concerted action is needed to provide emergency food assistance, support resilience activities and help rebuild agricultural infrastructure, all with the aim of meeting immediate needs and supporting the long-term stability of the DRC.