(MENAFN) More than 25 million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), over one-fifth of the population, are facing severe acute hunger, the UN reported on Wednesday. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric attributed the crisis to escalating violence in the east and widespread displacement.

Since January, fighting between M23 rebels and government forces has intensified, with the rebels seizing strategic towns and supply routes near Goma in North Kivu and Bukavu in South Kivu, reportedly resulting in thousands of deaths. M23 is one of over 100 armed groups active in eastern DR Congo, according to Human Rights Watch.

Communities in North Kivu have been hit particularly hard, with more than 1,000 civilians killed and at least 400,000 displaced in Beni and Lubero territories alone. Armed attacks are disrupting farming and blocking trade routes, destabilizing local markets and worsening food shortages.

The conflict has also severely affected the health system. Since January 2025, six medical facilities have been attacked, adding to at least 28 facilities targeted since early 2024. More than half of these facilities are now non-operational, leaving over 150,000 people without essential medical care.

Dujarric emphasized that insecurity and unexploded ordnance are preventing humanitarian organizations from reaching those most in need, warning that aid delivery will remain limited unless access improves.

According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity could rise to 27 million in the first half of 2026, with some regions nearing IPC Phase 4, marked by extreme food shortages and high levels of acute malnutrition.

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