Giulia Romano Topics Covered
Il Eastern Congress The Democratic Republic of Congo is in a critical situation, with hunger affecting a growing number of people. According to the World Food Programme (WFP), the number of people facing severe food insecurity has nearly doubled in the past year, highlighting the urgency of international action.
The provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri e Tanganyika are particularly affected, with over ten million people facing extreme hunger. This crisis is the result of a combination of armed conflict and a lack of adequate humanitarian aid.
The causes of the food crisis
The situation has been aggravated by more than a year of conflict, in which the armed group M23, supported by Rwanda, has taken control of large areas of eastern Congo. This conflict has led to increased violence and massive displacement, forcing families to leave their homes and agricultural lands.
Impact of conflict on food security
The conflict has caused a decrease in food production, with many farmers unable to access their fields. A report by the IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) estimates that approximately 25 million people are experiencing high levels of food insecurity, with three million of them in emergency conditions.
“Families are depleting their resources by selling animals and skipping meals,” she says. Cynthia Jones, WFP director in Congo. “In some areas, people are already dying of hunger.”
Humanitarian response and financial challenges
Despite the urgency of the situation, WFP is facing an unprecedented funding crisis. This year, the agency has received only $150 million, compared to an estimated need of $350 million. This has forced WFP to drastically reduce the number of people assisted, from one million to approximately 600.000.
Need for a humanitarian airlift
To facilitate access to aid, WFP has called for the establishment of a humanitarian airlift between the two airports of Goma and Bukavu, which have been closed for months. Without this measure, many people will not receive the assistance they need. "We are in a situation where we risk completely cutting off food assistance," Jones warned.
This scenario is exacerbated by bank closures and a shortage of financial resources, which are having a devastating impact on the daily lives of the population, already strained by the crisis. "The lack of funds is leading to a full-blown humanitarian emergency," Jones added.
The uncertain future of the affected population
The outlook for the population of eastern Congo is extremely worrying. Without a significant increase in funding, WFP predicts a complete collapse of the aid system by 2020. This would mean the cessation of all emergency food aid in the eastern provinces.
The international community must act now to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Families, especially women and children, are already facing the devastating consequences of violence and poverty. It is essential that lasting peace be established and conditions for a dignified life be restored.