Background
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remained at the heart of an unprecedented humanitarian situation, marked by persistent armed conflict, mass displacement, climate shocks, and recurring epidemics. For millions of Congolese, every day is a struggle for survival, in a context where violence, poverty, and instability add to the exhaustion of a prolonged crisis.
In the east of the country, a devastating war continues to take lives and livelihoods. The expansion of the territory controlled by the Alliance Fleuve Congo/Mouvement du 23 mars (AFC/M23) in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, including the capture of the cities of Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira, has led to further displacement but also to the return, sometimes forced, of hundreds of thousands of families to their areas of origin, which are often still unstable.
At the same time, in Ituri, Maniema, and Tanganyika, other pockets of violence persist. Attacks by armed groups, identity-based tensions, and reprisals have left entire villages in ruins. Survivors recount nights of fear, looting, and daily uncertainty. Women and girls are exposed to gender-based violence (GBV), stigmatized, and deprived of adequate support.
The devastating effects of conflict are compounded by the consequences of climate change. In 2025, torrential rains and floods ravaged Kinshasa and other regions. In Greater Kasai and Maniema, they destroyed thousands of hectares of agricultural land, exacerbating food insecurity.
Nearly a quarter of the population now lives in a situation of acute food insecurity. In several provinces, families have only one meal a day, while children leave school to search for food or work in the fields. Epidemics, particularly cholera and measles, are spreading, exacerbated by the deterioration of health services and the lack of drinking water.
Despite an extremely challenging operating environment, the resilience of affected populations remains a key factor in the response. Community solidarity mechanisms continue to play a vital role in preventing violence and protecting the most vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Humanitarian actors, despite difficulties in access and funding, continue their vital work: distributing food, providing healthcare, shelter, education, and protection.
Nevertheless, needs far exceed available resources. In 2026, nearly 15 million people will need humanitarian assistance. The contrast between the scale of suffering and limited resources underscores the urgent need for greater solidarity. Behind each figure lies a story—that of a woman, a child, a family who refuses to give up hope for a better future in a country that still longs for peace.
Source: OCHA: 2026 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (in French)