Democratic Republic of the Congo - Food Security Outlook Update: Escalation of violence continues to worsen food insecurity in conflict-affected zones, April - September 2026

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo Source: Famine Early Warning System Network Please refer to the attached file. Key Messages Crisis (IPC Phase 3) conditions continue in conflict-affected areas at the start of the short lean season , amid ongoing clashes between armed groups and government forces in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. The insecurity continues to disrupt livelihoods, limit access to food, and drive significant displacement, as well as reduce household participation in Season 1 (S1) agricultural activities. Low stock levels and reduced participation in S1 agricultural activities are increasing households’ dependence on markets for food access. As a result of the persistent conflicts in these areas, households are experiencing deteriorating livelihoods, losing access to assets, and resorting to negative coping strategies to obtain food. These households are expected to continue facing food consumption gaps despite the June harvests, maintaining the need for food assistance through September at least. Supply chain disruptions linked to developments in the Middle East have led to rising market prices, particularly for fuel. The government has increased petroleum product prices according to the national market’s division into four regions. This trend is beginning to erode the purchasing power of poor households, further reducing their access to food on markets (especially in eastern areas already weakened by armed conflict) where households are resorting to negative coping strategies. The relatively successful agricultural season is expected to support Stressed (IPC Phase 2) outcomes in the central territories, despite structural constraints — particularly deteriorating roads, which limit producers’ access to markets — and reduced supply, which is d...

Original source: Relief Web