A record 30.3 million people in the Democratic Republic of Congo are projected to face crisis levels of hunger or worse between January and June 2027, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, four U.N. agencies said in a joint release published Nov. 13.[1]
Related: ADF Gunmen Kill at Least 44 Civilians in Ituri.
The numbers
Nearly 29 million people, almost a quarter of the population, face crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity from September to December 2026, including 3.6 million in emergency conditions. By early 2027, the number in emergency is projected to rise to 4.2 million. The total in crisis or worse is up from 26.5 million in the first half of 2026.[1]
Where it is worst
More than 11 million people in North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri are projected to face crisis or worse. Nine territories are projected to be in emergency: Djugu in Ituri; Lubero, Masisi and Oïcha in North Kivu; and Fizi, Kalehe, Mwenga, Shabunda and Walungu in South Kivu.[1]
Why
The World Food Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization, UNICEF and the World Health Organization said conflict, displacement and rising food prices are driving the crisis, made worse by Ebola, mpox and cholera. Humanitarian aid is falling dangerously behind needs, they said.[1]
“The Ebola outbreak is a crisis on top of a pre-existing crisis,” said Ross Smith, WFP’s director of emergency preparedness and response. FAO said farmers need seeds and tools before planting begins in early 2027 to harvest by mid-year.[1]
Context
Armed groups continue to attack civilians in the east: ADF gunmen killed at least 44 people in Ituri this week. The Ebola outbreak has passed 11,000 cases. More in Africa news.
Sources
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