The escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has forced thousands to flee their homes, seeking refuge in cities like Goma only to be displaced again by the advancing M23 rebels. Mary Ashuza, a farmer and mother of five, epitomizes the plight of these displaced individuals. Originally from South Kivu, she fled to Goma in January after witnessing the horrors of the conflict, including the slaughter of a neighboring family. Finding temporary shelter in a displacement camp, Ashuza was forced to flee again when M23 seized control of Goma. Lack of aid and assistance compelled her to leave the city altogether, embarking on a perilous journey back towards her village, choosing the familiar danger over the uncertainties of displacement. Hers is a story echoed by countless others caught in the crossfire of a protracted conflict.
The swift takeover of Goma by the M23 rebels in late January 2025 marked a significant escalation in the conflict, plunging the city into chaos and further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. After days of intense fighting against the Congolese army and its allies, M23 fighters entered Goma under the cover of darkness, their presence documented in amateur videos circulating online. The rebels declared the city “liberated,” solidifying their control amidst resistance from the Congolese army and allied militias. M23’s advance continued southwards towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, with the stated intention of marching all the way to Kinshasa, the nation’s capital. This rapid advance triggered a mass exodus from Goma, as residents feared for their safety and sought refuge elsewhere.
The M23, a rebel group with a history of conflict in the region, re-emerged in 2022 after a period of dormancy. Accused of being backed by Rwanda, a charge Rwanda denies, the M23’s resurgence has caused widespread displacement and suffering. The UN alleges Rwandan support in the form of thousands of soldiers, motivated by the desire to exploit the DRC’s mineral-rich eastern region. The renewed conflict has not only displaced populations but also disrupted humanitarian aid, hindering access to essential services and exacerbating the already dire situation. The capture of Goma has further intensified the humanitarian crisis, leaving the city’s inhabitants in a state of despair and uncertainty.
The capture of Goma plunged the city into disarray, disrupting essential services and leaving residents struggling to survive. Power cuts, internet outages, and disruptions to water supplies crippled daily life. Shops and businesses were forced to close, exacerbating economic hardship. Amidst the chaos, desperate residents resorted to looting, ransacking a UN World Food Programme warehouse and even the public prosecutor’s office. Amuri Upendo, a Goma resident who participated in the looting, explained his actions as a desperate measure for survival, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by many in the besieged city. The looting, while driven by necessity, also resulted in tragic consequences, with some losing their lives in the chaotic scramble for resources.
Despite the initial chaos, a semblance of normality began to return to Goma a week after the M23 takeover. Electricity and internet connections were restored, and many shops reopened, albeit with significantly inflated prices. M23’s leadership sought to reassure residents, promising a return to stability. However, the scars of the conflict remained, with families mourning the loss of loved ones and grappling with the uncertainty of the future. Julienne Anifa, a mother of seven, expressed her concerns about the soaring prices of essential goods, underscoring the economic hardship faced by families in the war-torn city. While a tense calm settled over Goma, the future remained uncertain, with the Congolese government vowing to reclaim the city and the threat of further conflict looming large.
The residents of Goma exhibited a range of responses to the M23 takeover, reflecting the complex and volatile situation. Some expressed a sense of relief at the reduced military presence, while others adopted a pragmatic approach, accepting the new reality and seeking to navigate the changed circumstances. However, a significant portion of the population remained fearful, anticipating further violence should the Congolese government launch a counteroffensive. The precarious location of Goma, situated near an active volcano, on the shores of Lake Kivu, and adjacent to the Rwandan border, adds to the complexity of the situation, making military intervention a challenging prospect. International condemnation of the M23 takeover and calls for a diplomatic solution highlight the need for a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict, while the plight of civilians like Mary Ashuza underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a lasting peace.
