DR Congo: Early Sudden Food Shortage Expected Amid Ongoing Violence

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a prolonged food security crisis due to ongoing violence. According to the Famine Early Warning System Network, the conflict in eastern DR Congo is expected to persist until January 2027, affecting households and markets. This will lead to increased consumption deficits and negative coping strategies, such as debt and asset sales, resulting in an early sudden food shortage from September. Households near conflict zones with restricted mobility will face even more severe food insecurity. While some households that cultivated during the second agricultural season may see improved food security from mid-December, a significant proportion of poor households will remain in crisis. The majority of the country will experience stress levels of food insecurity until January 2027. The ongoing Ebola outbreak is also exacerbating the situation, disrupting food supplies and trade, and causing loss of income for thousands of poor households living on cross-border activities.