The M23 war in the DRC is undermining the shopping basket of Goma, in North Kivu. This war, which pits M23 fighters against the Congolese army, has caused the cutting of several roads linking Goma to its food supply villages. This situation has led to soaring prices and an increase in the cost of living for the inhabitants of Goma.
The inhabitants of Goma deplore the consequences of this war on their daily lives. Due to the road cuts, truckers have to take detours to deliver food, which is driving up prices. Esther Kavira, saleswoman at the central market in Virunga, testifies to this situation: “Previously, I bought a bag of potatoes of 100 or 150 kilos between 50 and 70 US dollars. Today, I buy it for 100 dollars, because those who cultivated have fled their villages. And even if they have some plants in their fields, they cannot harvest because of the war! The kilo of potatoes, which sold for 1,000 Congolese francs, has almost doubled to 1,750 francs! Nothing can work because there is war. »
This price increase also affects other products and contributes to monetary instability on the Congolese market. The city of Goma is bearing the full brunt of this situation, with an increase in the exchange rate of the American dollar. Pascaline Kambale, reseller of various products, expressed her concern and suggested that the government pay civil servants, soldiers, teachers and doctors to revive the local economy.
Faced with this worrying situation, civil society in Goma is calling for the resumption of the areas occupied by the rebels and for the lifting of the state of siege in force for two years. It also asks the government to take emergency measures to deal with the socio-economic crisis affecting the inhabitants.
In conclusion, the M23 war in the DRC has serious consequences on the daily life of the inhabitants of Goma. Rising food prices and monetary instability create a climate of concern and weaken the region economically