The United Nations has escalated its calls for international donors to urgently address the severe funding shortfall threatening the Humanitarian Response Plan for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2026. With only 53.3% of the required $1.4 billion secured, the situation risks leaving millions without critical aid.
James Swan, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in DRC and head of the MONUSCO peacekeeping mission, sounded the alarm during a UN Security Council briefing on June 26, 2026. He highlighted the devastating humanitarian crisis gripping eastern DRC, where prolonged conflict has displaced millions and left communities in dire need of support.
“The humanitarian crisis in DRC remains dire,” Swan stated. “Nearly 27 million people—over a quarter of the population—are facing food insecurity. The 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan prioritizes 7.3 million people for urgent assistance, but the current funding gap of $656 million threatens to undermine these efforts.”
The funding shortfall has already forced drastic cuts in humanitarian operations. In 2025, the closure of over 1,000 nutrition centers left 390,000 severely malnourished children without life-saving treatment. Additionally, 1.5 million people lost access to primary healthcare due to drug shortages and reduced medical services, while food assistance coverage dropped by 73%, exposing vulnerable populations to heightened risks of hunger.
The 2026 Humanitarian Response Plan, launched in January, aims to address these challenges by providing critical support to those most affected by conflict and displacement. However, the lack of sufficient funding has forced humanitarian agencies to prioritize assistance, leaving many without the help they desperately need.
“I urge our international partners to step up and close this funding gap,” Swan emphasized. “The people of DRC cannot wait any longer. Every dollar counts in ensuring that families receive food, healthcare, and protection.”
The ongoing violence in provinces like North Kivu and South Kivu continues to exacerbate the crisis, with humanitarian needs growing despite diplomatic efforts to broker peace. The international community’s delayed response risks deepening the suffering of millions already struggling to survive.
The UN’s appeal comes at a critical juncture, as the DRC grapples with one of the world’s most neglected humanitarian emergencies. Without immediate action, the consequences could be catastrophic for millions of Congolese.
