Nearly 25 million people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are facing high levels of acute food insecurity, with the situation expected to deteriorate further in 2026, according to the United Nations.

The DRC remains one of the countries most severely affected by food insecurity, said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric on Wednesday, noting that conditions are particularly dire in the eastern provinces.

Citing the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification analysis, Dujarric said the number of people experiencing acute food insecurity, already more than 20 percent of the population, could rise from nearly 25 million to close to 27 million in the first half of 2026.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also expressed deep concern over ongoing violence against civilians in Beni and Lubero territories in North Kivu, as well as parts of Ituri province. More than 1,000 people have reportedly been killed in the two provinces since the beginning of the year.

The impact on health systems has been severe. At least six health facilities have been attacked since early 2025, and a total of 28 health sites have been affected by armed violence since 2024.

OCHA reiterated its call for all parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Since January, the security situation in eastern DRC has sharply deteriorated amid renewed clashes involving the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, which has seized several key towns, including Goma and Bukavu. Humanitarian agencies warn that the escalating violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, further deepening an already critical crisis. | Xinhwa