The Democratic Republic of the Congo is projected to experience its worst hunger crisis on record, with over 30.3 million people expected to need food assistance by the end of 2026. According to the latest analysis, nearly 29 million individuals are already facing crisis-level hunger or worse between September and December 2026. This includes 3.6 million people who are in the most severe stages of food insecurity.

The situation has worsened due to a combination of factors including conflict, economic instability, and climate-related challenges. The analysis highlights that the number of people requiring immediate food aid has risen sharply in recent months. The data also indicates that the crisis is expected to peak during the dry season, when food supplies are most strained.

This crisis follows years of instability in the country, with ongoing conflicts in several regions contributing to displacement and disruption of agricultural activities. The government has been working with international organizations to provide emergency food aid, but the scale of the need remains overwhelming. The situation underscores the urgent need for increased humanitarian support and long-term solutions to address the root causes of food insecurity.