In recent developments in eastern Congo, rebels supported by Rwanda have taken control of a critical city, Goma, leaving its residents grappling with numerous challenges a month after the capture. Goma, once a bustling hub for trade and humanitarian efforts near the Rwandan border, has seen its economic activities severely disrupted since the M23 rebel group seized control on January 28. Banks remain closed, and although there are gradual attempts to revive trade and essential services, thousands of people displaced by the uprising are in dire need of aid and shelter.
Jeannette Safari, a 26-year-old mother, expressed the difficulties of securing basic necessities like food. Formerly a civil servant, Safari is now considering a move to Burundi in search of a more affordable cost of living, with many government employees struggling to make ends meet while the rebels control the area. The city, which was a refuge for over 500,000 displaced individuals in addition to its 2 million residents, faces ongoing humanitarian crises exacerbated by the rebels’ takeover, marking a significant escalation in their prolonged conflict with the Congolese government.
Backed by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, the M23 rebels have ousted overstretched Congolese forces, captured further territories, and gained control of another key regional city, Bukavu. This expansion has prompted analysts to warn of potential regional conflict. Despite the rebels showing willingness for dialogue, as encouraged by neighboring countries, the Congolese government accuses them of human rights violations and serving Rwandan interests. The ongoing rebellion has heavily impacted Goma’s economy, throttling its role as a trade route and limiting the return to normalcy in educational and social services.
Efforts by the M23 to stabilize the city and resume utilities like electricity and water have made limited headway, with many residents living in fear and uncertainty. Streets that once buzzed with activity are now often deserted and under tight watch by armed rebels. The U.N. reports that as the rebel forces advanced towards Goma, the number of people fleeing surged into the hundreds of thousands, adding to the already significant displaced population.
One significant consequence of the rebel control is the persistent closure of commercial banks and the local branch of the Central Bank of Congo, raising concerns that rebels might seek banking alternatives outside Congolese control. This scenario poses another obstacle to regional peace efforts demanding the rebels’ withdrawal. Local economist Deo Bengehya suggests robust management of resources and establishing microfinance institutions as potential solutions. The ongoing economic standstill could further drain Goma’s economy, already reeling from job losses and inflation, Bengehya warned.
Meanwhile, residents continue to flee towards neighboring countries and as far as Kinshasa, the distant Congolese capital. At the Congo-Rwanda border, there’s a marked increase in people seeking passage to Rwanda using a CEPGL pass, designed to facilitate regional travel. Kasereke Syausza, who owns an electronics store in Goma, is among those considering leaving due to restricted access to bank funds essential for his business. Although contemplating a move to Kinshasa, he fears potential arrest due to his eastern origin.
