Democratic Republic of the Congo
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- Insecurity- and displacement-related losses of livelihoods and income are driving Crisis (IPC Phase 3) outcomes in the areas most affected by the intensification of conflict in the eastern part of the country, notably in North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Tanganyika provinces. Some populations are facing Emergency (IPC Phase 4) outcomes. In addition, due to the deterioration of transport infrastructure, human and animal diseases, crop attacks, limited access to quality agricultural inputs, and seed degeneration — which severely disrupt household access to food — a large part of the country is experiencing Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes. Minimal (IPC Phase 1) outcomes continue in the northeastern, central, and southwestern zones (Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, Lomami, and Kongo Central), where, in addition to agriculture, populations mainly depend on forest products for income and food.
- Since December 2025, fighting has intensified on several fronts — particularly in the territories of Uvira, Fizi, and Mwenga in South Kivu and Walikale in North Kivu — due to the conflict between the government and M23. Populations in these areas face difficulties accessing land and food because of escalating insecurity linked to the armed conflict. However, the withdrawal of rebels from the city of Uvira in January facilitated some deescalation, although the situation remains tense. In addition, in Djugu territory (Ituri), the Convention for the Popular Revolution (CRP) militia briefly took control of the Bule trading center (located 110 kilometers northeast of Bunia) and neighboring villages. These clashes forced many residents to flee their villages. Attacks by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists continue, with an increase in attacks against civilians in Lubero territory.
- According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), as of December 31, 2025, approximately 1.84 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) were recorded in North Kivu. This number is expected to increase, particularly following recent attacks, adding to the 2.68 million people displaced since early 2025, 80 percent of whom were displaced due to armed attacks. These households abandon their livelihoods and are exposed to consumption deficits due to limited access to fields and a strong dependence on agricultural labor. In peri-urban areas, IDPs will continue to earn income from agricultural labor; however, as displacement increases and labor supply rises, competition is likely to reduce daily wages during the Season 2 (S2) harvest period.
- Season 2 (S2) harvests began in mid-December 2025 in the northeast and central-east, but production is estimated to be below average, mainly due to reduced cultivated areas linked to population displacement and localized soil contamination and degradation, according to field observations. In addition, in areas that have experienced successive floods and river overflows in recent agricultural seasons — notably in Ituri (Mahagi territory), North Kivu (Walikale), Tanganyika (Moba), and Équateur (Zongo) — agricultural losses have been significant. Southern and central regions continue to be affected by flooding, such as in Haut-Katanga and Maniema. As a result, food availability is reduced, and access is constrained amid rising demand. Furthermore, persistent violence continues to trigger displacement during the S2 season.
- Alongside the government’s 2025 reforms aimed at stabilizing the currency, ongoing harvests in bimodal zones are contributing to overall stability in food market prices at levels similar to those observed in December 2025. Compared to January last year, prices of local food commodities declined by 10-17 percent in January 2026 in some areas, while imported products (rice, vegetable oil) recorded declines of less than 10 percent. Annual inflation fell from 11.76 percent to 2.33 percent over the same period. FEWS NET price data also indicate price stability in the east, despite some limited increases for certain products (cereals, meat, vegetables, transport). Even with this recent stability, the purchasing power of poor households remains constrained after years of high inflation and currency depreciation, although minor improvements have been observed in some cities across the country.
Recommended citation: FEWS NET. Democratic Republic of the Congo Key Message Update January 2026: Armed conflict continues to exacerbate acute food insecurity in parts of the country, 2026.
This Key Message Update provides a high-level analysis of current acute food insecurity conditions and any changes to FEWS NET's latest projection of acute food insecurity outcomes in the specified geography. Learn more here.