The eastern city of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is facing a severe food crisis due to an ongoing conflict in the region.
Rebel forces from the ethnic Tutsi-led M23 movement have blocked the main roads into the city, preventing the transportation of produce and supplies. As a result, the city’s two million residents are facing the very real threat of hunger and starvation.
The resurgence of fighting in the region has forced tens of thousands of people from their homes, adding to the nearly seven million people who have already been displaced by conflicts in the country. The recent influx of people into Goma has overwhelmed local resources and created a state of panic and fear among residents.
The situation escalated when the town of Sake, located 25km north-west of Goma, came under attack, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries. The violence has led to a surge in patients at the state-run Bethsaida Hospital in Goma, stretching the capacity of medical facilities and resources.
This renewed conflict has reignited fears of a repeat of the events of 2012, when the M23 rebels occupied Goma for 10 days before withdrawing under international pressure. The M23 fighters, believed to be backed by neighboring Rwanda, deny any intention to capture Goma, but the situation remains precarious.
In response to the conflict, President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to protect Goma and has called for an end to the violence. However, the potential capture of the city by the M23 poses a significant threat to the region’s stability and economic well-being.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, many residents are pleading for peace and expressing their frustration and despair over the continuous cycle of violence and displacement. The situation has been further exacerbated by the departure of an East African force that was providing security in the region, leaving a security vacuum that has been exploited by armed groups.
As the conflict intensifies, there are growing concerns about its impact on the population’s health and well-being. Medical experts have warned about the potential for a new wave of epidemics in the region, adding to the already dire humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict.
The situation in Goma highlights the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, as the continued violence and displacement are taking a heavy toll on the lives and livelihoods of the Congolese people. As the international community grapples with the complexities of the conflict, the residents of Goma are left to endure the devastating consequences of this ongoing turmoil.
