GOMA, DR Congo — The persistent conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has plunged the city of Goma into a severe food and economic crisis, with residents struggling against skyrocketing prices, emptying markets, and restricted access to basic goods.
Uzamukunda Twisenge, a resident of Goma, was seen preparing a simple meal for her family. While she can still provide food for now, she acknowledged that it is becoming increasingly difficult.
At local markets, the price of flour has doubled from 1,000 Congolese francs to 2,000 Congolese francs. Similarly, cooking oil that once allowed buyers two measures for 500 Congolese francs now yields only one measure for the same price.
“I don’t know if it’s because of the war that prices are rising, but we are suffering in this world,” Twisenge said.
Market traders reported that stores, once well-stocked, are gradually emptying as fewer customers can afford to buy goods. Many residents attribute the hardships directly to the security situation.
Since the M23 rebels seized Goma in January last year, travel restrictions have intensified, making it harder for goods to reach the markets.
“We think it’s because of the situation in our villages, the war, the insecurity. Things aren’t going well there. We understand that this is why nothing is running normally anymore. That’s why we’re not making any profit from our businesses,” one trader explained.
Local economic observers noted that the city and surrounding towns are reeling from the shocks following the rebel capture of Goma.
Most commercial banks in Goma remain closed due to the lack of authorization from the central government in Kinshasa. This has triggered a liquidity crisis, severely limiting financial intermediation.
“Against a backdrop of a liquidity crisis because money is not circulating, this financial intermediation has drastically diminished with unfortunate consequences. And indeed, as you can clearly see, the bank notes currently in circulation are almost unfit for use. So even if you have a business that you believe will be resilient, if money isn’t circulating properly, this crisis will affect you one way or another,” a local economic spokesperson said.
Residents and business owners now worry about what lies ahead if the situation continues to deteriorate.
According to the UN, over 3.9 million people across the country still faced emergency levels of food insecurity as of late March.
The combination of disrupted supply routes, closed banks, and ongoing insecurity has left millions in Goma and the wider region grappling with growing food insecurity and economic hardship.
