Democratic Republic of the Congo

A new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme warns that acute food insecurity is deepening in 16 hunger hotspots, which threatens to drive millions more into famine or risk of famine. Of highest concern are Haiti, Mali, Palestine, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, UN peacekeepers have resumed Operation Secure Harvest, patrolling a major route in Ituri province to ensure a safe environment for the harvest season and deter potential attacks against farmers and civilians.

On 20 October 2025, the Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of the Congo presented its workplan for the implementation of its mandate, in pursuance of Security Council resolution 2783 (2025), to members of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Following is the text of UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ video message for the Conference in Support of Peace and Prosperity in the Great Lakes Region, in Paris today:

Led by Resident Coordinator Pauline Tamesis, the UN is supporting Viet Nam’s efforts to respond to one of the most damaging typhoon seasons in decades. Between May and early October, 11 typhoons and tropical depressions, including Bualoi and Matmo, struck within days of each other, affecting over a million people across six provinces.

The UN Human Rights Office and the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) published a report on the far-reaching human rights impacts of last month’s telecommunications shutdowns in the country, citing delayed or no access to healthcare and emergency services, and disruption to humanitarian operations, among them.

In Haiti, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns of a resurgence of cholera in the Ouest Department over the past month. Since 8 September, health authorities have reported new cases in the commune of Pétion-Ville, following 11 weeks with no cases confirmed in the country.

As of the end of September, less than one quarter of the over $45.3 billion needed to support life-saving action around the world this year had been received, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warns. This is 40 per cent less compared to the same time last year.

A senior United Nations official told the Security Council today that there is “real hope” for a ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, outlining several key priorities, including addressing the root causes of conflict, such as illegal resource exploitation and weak governance.

In Chad, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator has allocated $1 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund for an urgent response to the deadly cholera outbreak in the country. The funding aims to contain the spread of the disease — mainly by improving access to water and sanitation, and providing medical support.