The humanitarian situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) remains a pressing concern, with ongoing armed violence, population displacement, food insecurity, and a resurgence of the Ebola epidemic exacerbating the needs of the population. According to James Swan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in DR Congo and head of MONUSCO, the crisis has severe consequences for civilians, particularly women and children.
The crisis has resulted in 26.5 million people facing acute food insecurity, while 6.1 million people have been forced to flee their homes and are internally displaced. The situation is further complicated by the resurgence of the Ebola virus, which requires additional efforts from authorities and humanitarian organizations. The Ituri region, already affected by armed conflicts and population displacement, requires special attention in the response efforts.
The humanitarian response plan, revised to address the growing needs, aims to mobilize $2.13 billion to assist 10.7 million people considered priority. However, as of September 28, 2026, only 50.5% of the required resources had been secured, according to James Swan. He urged UN member states to maintain and strengthen their financial support for the humanitarian response in DR Congo.
The evolving situation has led humanitarian actors to revise their estimates, with 18.5 million people now requiring humanitarian assistance, up from the initial 15 million. The priority has been accorded to 10.8 million beneficiaries, with the required funding increased to $2.13 billion. The combination of conflicts, forced displacement, food insecurity, the Ebola epidemic, and funding shortages continues to strain the humanitarian response in DR Congo.
The crisis has prompted diplomatic initiatives, including talks in Washington and Doha, aimed at promoting peace and security in the eastern part of the country. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are working to address the needs of the affected populations, but the funding shortfall remains a significant challenge.
The situation in DR Congo was discussed at a UN Security Council meeting, where James Swan appealed for increased support. He emphasized that the humanitarian response plan is only 50.5% funded, leaving a significant gap in resources needed to address the crisis.
The humanitarian community is calling on international partners to increase their contributions to enable the assistance of the most exposed populations. The crisis in DR Congo requires sustained attention and support to address the complex and interconnected challenges facing the country.
Key points
- 26.5 million people face acute food insecurity in DR Congo.
- 6.1 million people are internally displaced due to ongoing conflicts.
- The humanitarian plan for DR Congo is only 50.5% funded, with a shortfall of $1.05 billion.
