Title: The M23 war in the DRC impacts the purchasing power of the inhabitants of Goma
Introduction: The war waged by the M23 rebel movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to have disastrous consequences on the lives of the inhabitants of Goma, in the province of North Kivu. Road cuts and insecurity have led to soaring food prices, undermining household purchasing power. In this article, we look at the economic impact of this conflict on the local population and the challenges they face.
The rising cost of living:
Due to cut roads and supply difficulties, food prices have risen considerably in Goma. The inhabitants bear the full brunt of this price increase, which translates into a reduction in their purchasing power. For example, the price of a bag of potatoes, which used to be 50-70 US dollars, has now reached 100 dollars. As farmers fled their villages due to insecurity, the food supply became more scarce and produce became more expensive on the market. This situation puts many households in difficulty, which have to cope with increasingly high food expenses.
Monetary instability:
In addition to rising food prices, the people of Goma also have to deal with increasing monetary instability. Indeed, the US dollar exchange rate has seen a significant increase, while many civil servants, such as the military, teachers and doctors, go unpaid. This situation creates a real economic crisis, where wages are not regularly paid and where inflation eats into the purchasing power of the inhabitants. Local traders, such as Pascaline Kambale, also find themselves impacted by this instability, thus hampering the circulation of money in the local economy.
Calls to action:
Faced with these economic difficulties, civil society in Goma calls for concrete measures to improve the socio-economic situation of the inhabitants. This includes the recovery of areas occupied by the rebels, the lifting of the state of siege, which has lasted for two years, and the establishment of a state of emergency. These measures would allow the government to implement actions aimed at supporting the population, particularly in terms of food supply and economic stabilization.
Conclusion :
The M23 war in the DRC has direct repercussions on the daily lives of the inhabitants of Goma, who face rising prices and monetary instability. To alleviate these problems, it is essential that actions are taken to end the conflict, restore security, and support the local economy.. This would allow the inhabitants of Goma to regain decent purchasing power and rebuild their lives in more favorable conditions