WSJ What’s News – "Why Millions of People in Eastern Congo Face Starvation"

Date: February 17, 2026
Host: Alex Osola
Featured Guest: Nicholas Bariyo (WSJ Reporter, live from Kampala)

Episode Overview

This episode delves into the escalating hunger crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where over 10 million people are at risk of starvation. The podcast explores how the rebel group M23’s control of the region, backed by Rwandan interests, has led to food shortages, harsh restrictions on trade and farming, and little progress from international diplomatic efforts. The segment blends on-the-ground reporting with broader geopolitical context.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Background: Widespread Hunger in Eastern Congo

• Summary:
  • Over 10 million people in eastern DRC face critical food shortages.
  • Rebel group M23, supported by Rwanda, seized the city of Goma last year.
  • M23’s efforts to entrench itself as regional government have caused a humanitarian catastrophe.
• Key Quote:
  • (08:41) “Aid agencies are warning that some people may starve to death, especially vulnerable people, mothers and young children and the sick.” — Nicholas Bariyo

2. M23’s Restrictions and Impact on Food Imports

• Summary:
  • M23 has established checkpoints and tightly controls border crossings.
  • They prioritize imports from Rwanda or its allies.
  • Imports from other countries face severe delays, sometimes until perishable food spoils.
• Notable Quote:
  • (07:20) “They control the border crossings, and in this case, they give priority to imports that come from Rwanda or Rwandan allies... One trader told me that he couldn't get his container cleared because he had gotten it from Kenya. And M23 questioned it and held it for several weeks until the food got rotten.” — Nicholas Bariyo

3. Disruption of Local Farming and Empty Markets

• Summary:
  • M23 has evicted local farmers, halting agricultural production.
  • Farming activities and harvests are disrupted, further diminishing food supply.
  • Supermarkets, food stores, and markets are largely empty, and remaining products are unaffordable.
• Notable Segment:
  • (08:17)
    • Host: “If you're a resident of Goma, who's going to the grocery store, what does it look like on the shelves there?”
    • Nicholas Bariyo: “Usually most of the supermarket shelves are empty. The food stores are closed or empty... Some of the commodities are really so scarce... Those that are available are very, very expensive and unaffordable.”

4. International Response and Blocked Relief Efforts

• Summary:
  • UN and Western governments pressure M23 for a ceasefire, but with little effect.
  • Calls to reopen Goma International Airport (crucial for aid) have been ignored.
  • Aid organizations warn of imminent starvation among the most at-risk populations.
• Quote:
  • (08:46) “The UN and Western governments have been pushing M23 to a ceasefire, but these have really done little to change the situation on the ground. The UN is also pushing for the reopening of Goma International Airport... The rebels so far have not allowed its reopening, and aid agencies are warning that some people may starve to death...” — Nicholas Bariyo

5. Lack of Response from M23 and Rwanda

• Host Alex Osola notes at the conclusion:
  • (09:22) “M23 and the Rwandan government didn’t respond to requests for comment.”

Notable Quotes and Moments

• (07:20) “They control the border crossings... One trader told me that he couldn't get his container cleared because he had gotten it from Kenya. And M23 questioned it and held it for several weeks until the food got rotten.” — Nicholas Bariyo
• (08:17) “Usually most of the supermarket shelves are empty. The food stores are closed or empty. The markets are also empty. Some of the commodities are really so scarce, especially those that are imported, like rice, like cooking oil. So most of the traders have nothing to sell. Those that are available are very, very expensive and unaffordable.” — Nicholas Bariyo
• (08:46) “The UN and Western governments have been pushing M23 to a ceasefire, but these have really done little to change the situation on the ground.” — Nicholas Bariyo

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 07:20 – M23’s trade restrictions and their direct consequences on food imports
• 07:59 – Disruption to local farming by M23
• 08:17 – What residents see in grocery stores and markets
• 08:46 – International diplomatic efforts and barriers to aid

Episode Takeaways

• Eastern DRC faces a rapidly worsening food crisis largely driven by the political and military ambitions of the M23 rebel group.
• M23’s border controls and bias for Rwandan imports, coupled with attacks on local farmers, have rendered both imported and homegrown food scarce or unreachable for locals.
• The international community’s diplomatic efforts have so far failed to alleviate the crisis, with tens of thousands considered at risk of imminent starvation as aid channels remain blocked.

For further updates on this complex and distressing crisis, the Wall Street Journal and on-the-ground correspondents like Nicholas Bariyo continue to provide ongoing coverage.