Scars of War Persist in Goma Amidst Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
Goma, eastern DRC, grapples with the aftermath of the M23 rebel takeover, which has severely disrupted daily life, increased violence, and created a humanitarian crisis affecting over 1.2 million displaced individuals. With basic services collapsing, rampant crime, and unexploded ordnance posing dangers, the scars of war still painfully affect the community.
GOMA, DR Congo, May 14 (Xinhua) – The city of Goma, once a vibrant trade center nestled at the foot of Mount Nyiragongo, now finds itself under a persistent atmosphere of unease and disruption. With the recent takeover by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group three months ago, daily life for the city’s two million residents remains heavily impacted as true peace remains elusive.
Following the M23’s advance into Goma on January 27, 2025, the city experienced another traumatic episode reminiscent of the 2012 takeover by the same rebel faction. Goma quickly became a war zone as shelling devastated residential areas, airports, and border facilities. The DRC government reported fatalities surpassing 8,500, alongside around 5,600 injuries, and accounts of significant loss of life emerged from displacement camps.
M23 fighters announced a “humanitarian ceasefire” on February 4, yet conflicts have persisted throughout the North and South Kivu provinces. The group subsequently seized Bukavu, the South Kivu capital, and now boasts an extensive array of frontline positions in the region, raising concerns among analysts regarding the potential for sustained conflict.
Corneille Nangaa, a notable political figure in the DRC and leader of the M23’s political wing, has boldly declared intentions to “liberate the entire country,” including Kinshasa, indicating troubling times ahead. Goma’s transition into silence following the rebel takeover has been stark – gunfire may have ceased, but lawlessness and oppression swiftly flourished in its wake.
The local economy has faced catastrophic challenges, with many bustling areas now eerily quiet. The banking system is almost non-existent, thrusting residents into a cash crisis that complicates everyday transactions. Meanwhile, rampant crime, particularly at night, has added further distress to a beleaguered populace. The M23’s establishment of checkpoints has further burdened citizens through the imposition of taxes and road tolls.
The humanitarian impact has also been dire, as the International Organization for Migration reports over 1.2 million people newly displaced in Kivu provinces since the beginning of the year. Many had sought refuge in Goma only to be forced to flee again, seeking safety that no longer exists.
In February, an ultimatum from M23 demanded the closure of major displacement camps, coercing families to flee with scant possessions. On the way back home, they often found their villages decimated, farmland scorched, and travel routes blocked. The devastation extends even to the town of Sake, located about 27 kilometers west of Goma, where unchecked fighting has left its streets in ruins.
Today, the dangers of unexploded ordnance linger in the area, with local residents like Christian Kabuya alarming at the frequent discoveries. “We’ve found live shells in over ten locations. Several people, including children, have died from accidental explosions,” he reported, highlighting the dangers that persist even outside the immediate conflict.
Ndosho Hospital, the last medical facility still accepting patients, struggles under immense pressure, largely supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). According to Taoffic Mohamed Toure, an ICRC veteran, the complexities of the situation make Eastern Congo one of the most challenging environments for humanitarian work.
As diplomatic discussions falter and ceasefires disintegrate, the people of Goma continue to live in the unyielding grasp of conflict. In this region, where the remnants of a volcanic eruption mingle with the scars of war, the path to peace seems dim, casting shadows over a once-thriving community.
The situation in Goma, DRC remains critical as the M23 rebel group’s takeover has led to significant humanitarian crises and persistent violence. The city, once a bustling hub, now suffers under economic decline, loss of safety, and ongoing conflict. As over a million displaced individuals seek refuge, the scars of war and empty lives linger. The local community continues to grapple with the aftermath of violence, and without immediate intervention and resolution, hopes for a peaceful future remain bleak.
Original Source: english.news.cn
