### Food insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo: a humanitarian drama to light up
The current situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where around 28 million Congolese are faced with acute food insecurity, raises important questions about the complex dynamics that distance from millions of people from their fundamental right to food. The Eastern Provinces, notably Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika, are particularly affected, as indicated by the World Food Program (PAM). The worsening of the humanitarian crisis calls for a nuanced reflection, which takes into account a combination of factors.
### Context and evolution of the crisis
According to the WFP report, the number of people with acute food insecurity in the East provinces has increased considerably, from 6.6 to 7.9 million in a short time. This increase is exacerbated by the intensification of armed conflicts, resulting in massive displacements of populations. This phenomenon, which has everything to shake regional stability, deserves special attention.
Commercial roads are cut, hampering markets and causing an increase in food prices. Paradoxically, some of the regions richest in agricultural resources today suffer from disturbed food production. This paradox is symptomatic of a system in crisis, where access to food becomes a survival issue for millions of people.
### Human impact
About 90 % of households in the northern and South Kivu provinces are affected by this crisis. The most vulnerable groups – women, children and the elderly – are those who suffer the consequences of insecurity. For those who have fled to neighboring countries, the situation is just as worrying. These Congolese, often piled up in overcrowded travel sites, struggle with precarious living conditions, adding additional pressure to the humanitarian networks already out of breath.
### Humanitarian response to the emergency
Despite the considerable efforts made by PAM, which attended around 1.1 million people between January and March 2025, the humanitarian response remains insufficient in the face of the scale of needs. The challenges that stand in front of humanitarian agencies are numerous: persistent insecurity, the closure of Goma airport, which was a nerveless point for the delivery of aid, and the generalized food shortage.
These obstacles bring out a destabilizing reality: the responses to this crisis are often late and fragmented. The international community, as well as local actors, are called upon to reflect on more suitable and preventive solutions, rather than reactive measures.
### to sustainable solutions
How can we consider a lasting response to this complex situation? On the one hand, it is crucial to strengthen the dialogue paths between the various stakeholders, including regional actors, local governments and humanitarian organizations. On the other hand, initiatives that promote food self -sufficiency and the resilience of communities must be prioritized.
Investing in projects that strengthen food security locally could reduce population dependence on humanitarian aid, while providing support for local agriculture. Sustainable development projects, combining agriculture and the protection of human rights, can create opportunities and hopes where insecurity and conflicts reign.
### Conclusion
The food insecurity crisis in the DRC is not limited to a humanitarian emergency; It is indicative of deeper structural problems which call for a global, participative and human rights approach. As an international community, we are responsible for listening and acting in an enlightened manner, to support the Congolese in their struggle for dignity and food security. In the end, the way towards reconciliation and prosperity is paved with mutual respect and authentic cooperation.