In Goma, a city situated in eastern Congo near the Rwandan border, residents are grappling with immense challenges a month after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels captured the city on January 28. This city, which once served as a crucial hub for trade and humanitarian aid, is now facing significant disruptions as the rebels try to establish their control and resume semblances of normal life.
The streets of Goma, previously bustling with economic activities, have witnessed a stark slowdown, with banks remaining closed and basic services resuming slowly. Residents, already displaced by conflict, are in urgent need of aid and temporary shelter. The struggle to find food is a primary concern for many, including Jeannette Safari, a 26-year-old mother who fears the instability and is considering fleeing to Burundi for a more affordable life. Like many others in her situation, her job as a civil servant has been rendered untenable by the cessation of government functions under rebel control.
Prior to the takeover, Goma and its surroundings sheltered over 500,000 displaced individuals, adding to its two million-strong population. The recent capture of Goma, followed by the strategic takeover of Bukavu, marks a substantial escalation of the conflict that has plagued this region of central Africa for years. This expansion by the M23, bolstered by roughly 4,000 Rwandan troops, might potentially spark wider regional conflict, analysts note.
Even as the rebels have agreed to dialogue—spurred by neighboring nations—Congo’s government accuses them of human rights violations and claims their movement serves Rwanda’s interests. The prolonged unrest has hampered Goma’s economic recovery, delaying the return of educational and other social services to operational levels. Although the rebels aim to restore essentials like electricity and water, the city remains far from regaining its former vibrancy, and fear pervades the lives of many residents.
Previously lively roads are now desolate, with a strong military presence marking the landscape as residents navigate uncertain futures. The influx of fleeing residents surged dramatically as the rebels progressed towards Goma, with hundreds of thousands seeking safety and adding to the already swelling numbers of displaced individuals across the region.
Despite assurances from M23 to rejuvenate economic activity, local banks, including the Central Bank of Congo’s Goma branch, are still shuttered. This situation raises concerns that the rebels might set up alternative banking systems outside the Congolese government’s purview, complicating talks aimed at prompting their withdrawal from the city. Economic expert Deo Bengehya suggests that a disciplined approach to resource management and creating autonomous microfinance entities could provide some relief. The continued banking halt risks further crippling the local economy, exacerbating unemployment and inflation woes facing inhabitants.
Consequently, many residents are choosing to leave Goma, with some migrating to neighboring countries and others making the arduous journey to Kinshasa, Congo’s capital located about 1,000 miles away. At the primary border crossing between Congo and Rwanda, hundreds attempt to acquire the “CEPGL” pass, which facilitates easy transit within the Great Lakes region.
Kasereke Syausza, who owns an electronics store in Goma, expresses consideration for relocating, citing difficulties accessing operational funds for his business amidst the chaos. Contemplating a move to Kinshasa, he remains wary of potential discrimination due to his origins from the eastern part of Congo.
