Executive Summary
Ongoing conflict and the Ebola outbreak are exacerbating food insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leading to Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes in eastern regions. Despite some humanitarian aid, persistent violence and economic disruptions are forcing households into negative coping strategies and an early lean season. The situation is projected to continue through January 2027, with limited improvements expected even after seasonal harvests.
Why It Matters
This document highlights how persistent armed conflict and disease outbreaks directly contribute to severe food insecurity and humanitarian crises, demonstrating the complex interplay between security, health, and stability in a geopolitically significant region. It is crucial for understanding the drivers of instability and displacement in the DRC.
Key Takeaways
- Continued conflict and the Ebola outbreak are driving severe food insecurity, with Crisis (IPC Phase 3) and Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes expected in eastern DRC through January 2027.
Source evidence · PDF page 1
Conflict will continue to disrupt livelihoods, markets, and trade. These disruptions are expected to widen food consumption gaps and increase households’ reliance on negative coping strategies, such as taking on debt and selling productive assets, leading to an early start of the lean season in September.
- Localized clashes involving the M23, FARDC, ADF, and CRP militias persist despite ceasefire attempts, disrupting livelihoods, agriculture, and trade, and causing significant displacement.
Source evidence · PDF page 2
Localized clashes between the M23 and the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) are continuing in North and South Kivu provinces, without any major new territorial offensive, despite ceasefire mechanisms that have been put in place.
- Households are increasingly relying on negative coping strategies, such as selling assets and reducing essential expenditures, due to declining purchasing power, high food prices, and limited access to land and markets.
Source evidence · PDF page 3
The multiple ongoing conflicts in the DRC are expected to persist and continue to drive household displacement and disrupt livelihoods and sources of income. Fighting between the M23 and the FARDC, supported by Wazalendo militias, is expected to continue in North and South Kivu despite political signs of de-escalation from the Congolese government and the rebels.
Strategic Relevance
The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the DRC, exacerbated by food insecurity and disease, pose significant challenges to regional stability and require sustained international attention. The persistence of armed groups and their impact on civilian populations underscore the need for comprehensive security and development strategies.