DRC: Risk of famine in rural areas

Event

The United Nations (UN) and World Food Program (WFP) published a report on Monday, August 14, alerting the international community of the risk of famine in rural Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to the report, 10 percent of the rural population suffers from hunger. Of particular concern is the Kasai region, which has faced a worsening security climate in addition to food insecurity. Officials say USD 64 million is required to address the situation, but only 25 million is currently available.

Context

Insecurity linked to the presence of armed groups and corresponding military operations persists in the eastern and central areas of the country. Kasai, Kasai Central, and Kasai Oriental provinces have been wracked by violence, with ongoing clashes frequent between the Kaminwa Nsapu militia and government forces. The security situation in eastern DRC, including North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, is also volatile as a result of numerous rebel groups and armed criminal gangs operating in the region. As the political process in Kinshasa stalls, grievances over socioeconomic and political conditions could exacerbate intercommunal violence throughout the country. There is an increased risk of civic unrest and violent crackdowns by security forces in urban areas across the country, including the capital Kinshasa.

Advice

Individuals present in the DRC are advised to monitor local developments, to maintain a high degree of situational awareness, and to avoid all rallies and demonstrations due to the risk of violence.

More generally, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country for various security reasons.