The city of Goma, once a thriving economic hub in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is struggling to recover from the devastating effects of the M23 rebel occupation. The conflict, which began a year ago, has led to a severe economic crisis, with traders and businesses feeling the brunt of the impact. At the city’s central market, vendors are finding it increasingly difficult to sell their goods, as customers become scarce due to rising prices and a lack of purchasing power.
The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, is one of over 100 armed groups vying for control in the mineral-rich eastern Congo. The conflict has resulted in one of the world’s most significant humanitarian crises, with over seven million people displaced, according to the United Nations refugee agency. The fighting has also led to the closure of many local businesses, and international companies have left the city, further exacerbating the economic crisis.
Residents, such as Espérance Mushashine, a 44-year-old mother of 12, are struggling to make ends meet. She has been selling vegetables for years but has watched her business decline significantly over the past year. “Before, we used to buy in bulk at an affordable price, and sales were good,” she said. “Today, prices have risen sharply, and customers hardly buy anything anymore.”
The war has also led to a significant increase in unemployment, with many residents losing hope of finding work. Grâce Omar, a resident of Goma, said that even small consulting contracts are now difficult to come by, as organizations are reducing their staff. The collapse of job opportunities has left many without a means of supporting themselves.
The economic crisis is also evident in the city’s banking sector, with many banks closing their doors. According to Déo Bengeya, an economics professor at the University of Goma, the absence of financial institutions has paralyzed the economy. “Without banks, recovery remains impossible,” he said. “There is no credit, no investment, and no security for savings.”
The situation in Goma remains dire, with no clear end to the conflict in sight. The international community has called for an end to the violence, but a lasting solution has yet to be found. As the city struggles to recover, residents like Mushashine and Omar can only hope for a return to stability and economic growth. The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo continues to worsen, with millions of people in need of aid and support. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of conflict and the need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
