Geneva: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that it may have to stop food aid operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo early next year due to a record low in funding. The agency said it has received only about 150 million dollars in 2025, less than half of what it needs to support people facing hunger in the country.

According to WFP officials, food assistance may have to pause by February or March 2026 unless new donations come in. The organization needs at least 350 million dollars to continue its programmes, while previous years saw up to 600 million dollars in support from donors.

The eastern regions of Congo are among the hardest hit by conflict and hunger. More than 3.2 million people there are experiencing emergency levels of food insecurity and malnutrition. WFP, which once reached nearly one million people each month, is now able to help only around 600,000.

Global aid funding has fallen sharply, with major donors such as the United States and European countries cutting back on their contributions. WFP said its overall global budget for 2025 has dropped by about 40 percent compared with last year, leaving several countries at risk of losing critical food support.

The agency’s officials have warned that the situation in Congo could worsen quickly if food deliveries stop. They said the lack of aid could increase hunger, displacement and violence in areas already struggling with armed conflict.

WFP called on international partners to act urgently to prevent millions of Congolese people from being left without food. The organization said that renewed commitment from donors is essential to prevent a deepening humanitarian crisis and to help families who are already fighting to survive.