The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a stark warning regarding a potential “complete interruption” of its humanitarian assistance to people facing emergency food insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The UN agency is urgently appealing for funding to combat widespread malnutrition affecting an estimated 28 million people across the country.
According to the WFP, the situation in the DRC is rapidly deteriorating. Mustafa Ture, the WFP’s Country Director in the DRC, stated that funding shortages are severely impacting their ability to provide vital aid. “In 2025, the program planned to assist 2.3 million of the most vulnerable people. However, due to lack of funding, the program was only able to reach one million people,” he explained.
This already dire situation is projected to worsen significantly. Ture further cautioned that the number of people receiving WFP assistance will be reduced to just 600,000 starting in October, a month dedicated to celebrating World Food Day. He warned of the “possibility of a complete cessation of aid by February 2026” if additional funding is not secured.
The WFP emphasizes the urgent need for $352 million over the next six months to ensure the continuation of its humanitarian operations in the DRC. This funding is crucial to prevent a catastrophic collapse in food security for millions who rely on WFP assistance for their survival.
The potential disruption of aid would have devastating consequences, exacerbating already critical levels of hunger and malnutrition, particularly among children and vulnerable populations. The DRC faces a complex humanitarian crisis driven by conflict, displacement, and economic hardship, making food assistance a lifeline for many.
The WFP’s warning highlights the critical importance of international support to address the escalating food crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Without immediate and substantial funding, the humanitarian situation will worsen, pushing millions further into poverty and food insecurity. The international community must act swiftly to prevent a complete collapse of the food aid system and avert a humanitarian catastrophe. The lack of resources will not only impact immediate food needs, but also hinder long-term development and stability in the region.
Keywords: World Food Programme, WFP, Democratic Republic of Congo, DRC, food crisis, humanitarian aid, malnutrition, funding shortage, food security, hunger, emergency assistance.
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Source: External reference
