By Patrick Omoake
The humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached catastrophic levels, with persistent violence and displacement pushing millions to the brink of disaster. According to a recent United Nations report, nearly 28 million Congolese people, over a quarter of the population are struggling to access basic necessities, with 10 million severely affected in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tanganyika.
The violence has triggered a massive displacement crisis, with 7.8 million people forced to flee their homes, a record high for the DRC. The World Food Programme (WFP) has been working around the clock to provide emergency food and nutrition assistance to those in need. Since January, the agency has reached over 1 million people, including vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children.
However, the WFP’s efforts are being severely hampered by a funding shortage, with an additional $433 million needed to sustain operations beyond October 2025. “We are at a critical juncture,” warned Eric Perdison, WFP Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa. “The international community must come together to address this crisis before it’s too late. Without a collective response, the DRC risks plunging into a food crisis of unprecedented magnitude, with devastating consequences for millions of innocent civilians.”
Voices from the Ground
The crisis has had a profound impact on individuals, communities, and local leaders. Marie Nsimba, a 35-year-old mother of four from North Kivu, fled her home with nothing but the clothes on her back. “My children are traumatized, and we’re struggling to find food and shelter,” she said. “The aid we’ve received has been a lifeline, but it’s not enough. We need protection and a way to rebuild our lives.”
Jean-Pierre Kasereka, a 28-year-old farmer from Ituri, echoed similar sentiments. “The violence has destroyed our crops and livelihoods,” he said. “We’re forced to rely on others for food, but even that is scarce. I fear for my family’s future if we can’t return to our land and rebuild.”
Aisha Mwamba, a 42-year-old widow from South Kivu, lost everything in the conflict. “I’ve lost my home, my husband, my sense of security,” she said. “The international community needs to understand that this crisis is real, and we need more than just food. We need peace and justice.”
Local leaders are also sounding the alarm. Chief Kahindo, a local leader in Goma, said the displacement crisis is overwhelming. “We’re seeing families forced to flee multiple times, with little hope of returning home,” he said. “We need urgent support to provide shelter, food, and protection.”
Dr. Néné Malonga, a health worker in Bukavu, said the health needs are critical. “We’re seeing a surge in diseases like cholera and malaria due to poor sanitation and overcrowding in camps,” she said. “More resources are desperately needed.”
Aid workers are echoing these concerns. Sarah Mwanga, a WFP representative, said the funding gap is crippling. “We’re doing our best with limited resources, but without additional support, we risk losing momentum and leaving millions without lifesaving aid,” she said.
Patrick Kabeya, an Oxfam aid worker, said the crisis is not just about food – it’s about dignity, safety, and hope. “We need a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict and supports sustainable recovery,” he said.
Regional and Global Concerns
The crisis in the DRC is not just a national issue; it’s a regional and global concern. The displacement of millions of people has put a strain on neighboring countries, which are struggling to cope with the influx of refugees. The crisis also has the potential to destabilize the entire region, with far-reaching consequences for global security and stability.
The international community must take immediate action to address the crisis. This includes providing urgent funding to humanitarian agencies, supporting peace talks and diplomatic efforts, and working towards a lasting solution to the conflict. The African Union and neighboring countries have already called for peace talks; it’s time for the global community to rally behind these efforts.
The people of the DRC are counting on us. Without urgent intervention, millions could face severe hunger, disease, and further displacement. The world can no longer ignore this crisis; it’s time to act.