(MENAFN) Nearly one-fifth of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's entire population—approximately 25 million people—is now confronting severe acute food insecurity, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced Wednesday. The humanitarian catastrophe stems from surging violence across eastern regions and massive population displacement.

Clashes between M23 rebels and government troops have escalated dramatically since January's opening weeks. Insurgents have seized critical urban centers and strategic supply corridors surrounding Goma, North Kivu province's capital, and Bukavu, which serves as South Kivu's administrative hub. The fighting has reportedly claimed thousands of lives. M23 represents just one faction among more than 100 armed militias operating throughout eastern DR Congo, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Dujarric emphasized that North Kivu communities are bearing the crisis's heaviest toll. Since January, over 1,000 civilians have lost their lives, while Beni and Lubero territories alone have witnessed at least 400,000 individuals forced from their homes.

Armed group offensives are crippling agricultural production and severing vital trade corridors, compounding market instability and exacerbating widespread food scarcity, he stated.

The UN spokesperson also cautioned that the conflict has devastated healthcare infrastructure. Six medical facilities have suffered attacks since January 2025, with at least 28 targeted since early 2024. More than half now lie inoperable, stripping over 150,000 residents of essential medical services.

Dujarric underscored that ongoing violence and unexploded ordnance are obstructing humanitarian relief efforts, with aid organizations warning they cannot reach the most vulnerable populations without improved access.

The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) assessment projects the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity will surge to 27 million during the first half of 2026, with multiple zones nearing IPC Phase 4—defined by critical food shortages and elevated acute malnutrition rates.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has urged all armed parties to uphold international humanitarian law and safeguard civilians and essential infrastructure.

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