The DR Congo hunger crisis could leave 30.3 million people facing high levels of acute food insecurity in early 2027. That is the forecast in an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report published on October 30, 2026.
UN News says conflict, displacement, disease and economic shocks are combining to restrict access to food in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The report’s national totals mask a sharper deterioration in eastern and northeastern provinces.
DR Congo hunger: current estimates and forecast
The IPC snapshot separates its September–December 2026 assessment from its January–June 2027 projection. The emergency category in the table is part of the larger Phase 3-or-above total, so the two columns should not be added together.
| Assessment period | Phase 3 or above | Phase 4 (included in total) |
|---|---|---|
| September–December 2026: current estimate | 28.8 million people | More than 3.6 million |
| January–June 2027: projection | 30.3 million people | 4.2 million |
Source: IPC — DRC acute food insecurity snapshot, September 2026–June 2027
Data as of: 2026-10-30
IPC projects more people in high acute food insecurity in January–June 2027.
IPC describes Phase 4, or Emergency, as involving large gaps in food consumption and elevated acute malnutrition. Its estimate places 23% of the population analyzed in Phase 3 or above during September–December 2026. That category is not a declaration of famine.
Eastern provinces face the greatest pressure
According to UN News, North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri together account for 10.4 million people in Phase 3 or above. The territories of Djugu, Fizi, Shabunda and Walungu are classified in Phase 4.
UN News identifies displaced people, returnees, refugees and poor households as those most affected. Fighting restricts movement and market access while disrupting livelihoods, leaving households with fewer ways to obtain food or earn money.
The UN account also identifies rising food and fuel prices, flooding and the expanding Ebola outbreak as pressures on households. Likiweeks has separately covered the Ebola outbreak and regional response.
Forecast depends on conflict and other risks
UN News says the outlook assumes continuing conflict and displacement, further disease spread and potential El Niño-related flooding. Higher agricultural costs and declining humanitarian assistance are additional risks to food availability and access.
The IPC snapshot calls for more humanitarian funding and secure access to affected areas, alongside support for farming and basic services. It also recommends stronger early-warning systems and disease surveillance as authorities prepare for the January–June 2027 period.
Sources: IPC — DRC acute food insecurity snapshot, September 2026–June 2027, UN News via Global Issues — Hunger, conflict and Ebola in DR Congo
