This alarming situation is being driven by ongoing conflict, displacement, and skyrocketing food prices, which are particularly severe in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. The Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme (WFP) are calling for urgent action to address the growing crisis.

Shelley Thakral, Head of WFP DRC for Communications and Media who has recently returned from Goma, an epicentre of the crisis, says the conflict in the eastern DRC is ongoing and has been for decades.

"People are constantly displaced, forced to flee their homes and move from one location to another in search of safety. These are not one-time displacements, but rather repeated movements over many years, creating immense hardship for families. In Goma and surrounding areas, the population has swollen dramatically in recent years, with people living in extremely unhealthy conditions. There is a lack of clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, and the spread of diseases like M-pox has further exacerbated the situation, " Thakral explained. "

According to Thakral, the primary drivers of this crisis are the ongoing conflict and insecurity, combined with the effects of climate change, which have led to severe flooding in some areas of eastern DRC. Poor infrastructure further hampers efforts to provide aid, as many roads are impassable, especially during the rainy season. This means that people in remote areas struggle to access food and other essentials, despite the DRC being one of the most fertile countries in Africa.

"The DRC has incredible potential to feed the continent," Thakral noted. "Its fertile land, abundant water resources, and natural wealth should be enough to support its population. However, the conflict, poor infrastructure, and lack of stability prevent people from benefiting from these resources, leaving many vulnerable and facing a chronic food insecurity crisis."

WFP and its partners have been working tirelessly to reach those in need, but access remains a significant challenge. Thakral highlighted the difficulties of delivering aid in such a vast and inaccessible country. "The journey to deliver assistance can take up to 19 hours, passing through bumpy, sandy, and rocky roads, with very few proper runways for our planes. Despite this, we are committed to getting food, vaccines, and medical assistance to the people who need it most," she said.

The WFP’s efforts have included providing hot meals to children and their families, offering nutritional support, and vaccinating against diseases like M-pox. However, reaching the most affected areas is difficult, especially in regions where conflict and insecurity make it too dangerous for aid workers to travel.

In terms of collaboration, Thakral stressed the importance of working closely with local authorities and communities to ensure that aid reaches those who need it. "Building trust at the community level is crucial," she explained. "We work with local groups, including youth and women’s associations, to ensure that people know where to go for assistance and that aid is distributed fairly."

Finally, Thrakal sent a message to the international community: "It’s vital that the world does not forget the DRC. While many other crises are dominating the headlines, the situation in the DRC remains dire, and we need continued support. The people of this country deserve the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity. We urge the international community to remain committed to supporting the DRC in its time of need."

--ChannelAfrica--