Attachments
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
The ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC is having a drastic impact on food security. The latest update of the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) shows a significant increase in acutely food insecure people in DRC from 25.5 million in September 2024 to 28 million in March 2025, including 3.9 million people at emergency levels of hunger (IPC Phase 4). This represents the highest number ever recorded in the DRC. Mass displacement, destruction of IDP camps, and rising food prices have been key drivers for a spike in food insecurity especially in North and South Kivu. WFP is navigating the complex operational context balancing its humanitarian mandate, impartiality and duty of care responsibilities towards its staff.
Situation Update
• The security situation in the East remained highly volatile in March, with active fighting between the M23 and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) ongoing in several territories of North and South Kivu. In Ituri, the security situation is challenged by a proliferation of non-state armed groups, leading to restricted access and high risk for humanitarian operations.
• Ongoing conflict, displacement and high food prices have led to a steep increase in acute food insecurity in the Eastern Provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika. According to the latest IPC Update from March 2025, out of the total 28 million acutely food insecure people in DRC, 10.3 million reside in the Eastern Provinces. Out of those, 2.3 million face emergency-level food insecurity (IPC4). North Kivu and Tanganyika host the highest share of acutely food insecure people (45% each), while South Kivu and North Kivu saw the strongest deterioration due to ongoing fighting.
• In addition, DRC continues to battle a health crisis, with rising cases of Mpox, measles and cholera. Within the first quarter of 2024, 31,100 suspected Mpox cases have been reported (WHO), compared with less than 5,000 during the same period last year. As testing capacities are limited due to insecurity in the Eastern Provinces as well as a reduction in donor-funding for public health activities, it is likely that many cases are going undetected.