Rwanda — humanitarian situation

Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing a rapidly escalating Ebola Bundibugyo virus outbreak that has become the largest and fastest-growing outbreak in the country's history. As of 16 August, the DRC reported 5,001 confirmed cases and 2,378 deaths IOM. The World Health Organization declared this a public health emergency under International Health Regulations and convened its Emergency Committee for a second time on 18 August to reassess the situation and issue updated temporary recommendations for affected states WHO. The outbreak is unfolding primarily in eastern DRC, a region already facing acute humanitarian needs driven by armed conflict and mass displacement, significantly complicating response efforts and the delivery of life-saving assistance OCHA. Cross-border movements of humanitarian and health workers, cargo, and commercial travel are increasingly affected despite WHO guidance and risk assessments OCHA. Rwanda's humanitarian operations are directly impacted by the regional crisis dynamics. In July, WFP reached 185,830 people through distribution of 137 metric tons of food and USD 510,639 in cash-based transfers WFP. The organization requires USD 17.6 million to sustain planned operations over the next six months, representing 59 percent of total requirements, with USD 9.9 million urgently needed to maintain food assistance for refugees, asylum seekers, and returnees WFP. The region faces additional climate-related threats that may further strain humanitarian response capacity. The ongoing El Niño episode is forecast to strengthen and persist through early 2027, with a 95 percent chance of being categorized as strong or very strong by late 2026 FAO, FSNWG, IGAD. Eastern Africa already has 48.5 million people requiring humanitarian assistance, with more than 40 million facing acute food insecurity and 8.3 million children acutely malnourished OCHA. Severe flooding risks are expected to increase from October during the rainy season, potentially amplified by a positive Indian Ocean Dipole, even as current dry conditions affect several countries OCHA.