Fatshimetrie.
A few hours before Christmas, the city of Goma, located in North Kivu, is experiencing a special atmosphere at this end-of-year period. Unlike in previous years, the traditional excitement that accompanies preparations for the festivities seems to be tarnished by an atmosphere of gloom. The usually lively streets and crowded markets are now showing a face marked by silence and desolation.
Interviewed by the Fatshimetrie team, local traders are depressed by the current situation. The war waged by the M23 in the surrounding regions of Rutshuru and Masisi is singled out as the main cause of this gloomy climate. This endemic insecurity weighs heavily on the shoulders of the inhabitants, impacting not only their morale but also the local economy.
Sellers of basic necessities, such as beans, chickens and potatoes, express their concerns about the impact of this situation on their activities. Mrs. Victorine Kanyere, a food vendor at the Virunga central market, highlights the difficulty of preparing for the festivities in such circumstances: “How can we celebrate Christmas when we are suffering? May the authorities act quickly to end this war and reopen the roads.”
Traditionally, as the holidays approach, many parents make their purchases to avoid price increases. However, this year, the absence of customers in the markets reflects a difficult economic reality exacerbated by the security crisis. Aline Bujiriri, a clothing vendor, deplores the lack of enthusiasm among customers despite the proximity of the New Year.
Parents interviewed around the markets highlight the lack of money as the main reason for this gloom, blaming the consequences of the M23 war for this crisis. In this context, the Christmas celebrations are looking less joyful, marked by financial difficulties and constantly rising prices.
Despite the heavy climate, some signs of festivities persist in some parts of the city. The Birere shopping center, for example, is starting to adorn itself with Christmas decorations, offering a hint of magic in an environment darkened by economic and security challenges. The inhabitants of Goma are preparing to celebrate the end-of-year holidays under the sign of uncertainty and worry, trying to find reasons to smile in a difficult context.
Such is the story of Goma during this holiday season, a city where resilience and hope seem to be the only glimmers of light in a celebration full of challenges.