**Goma: The rise in violence targeted at money changers and the security challenge for authorities**
On January 20, Goma, this vibrant city in North Kivu, was once again the scene of a tragedy. A money changer, identified as Murhula, was shot dead in the street in the Ndosho neighborhood. This murder, far from being an isolated incident, raises profound questions about security in this region already weakened by recurring armed conflicts and a booming informal economy.
### A worrying wave of violence
Since the beginning of 2023, Goma has witnessed a growing number of attacks and murders specifically targeting money changers. Indeed, according to data collected by local civil society, at least five money changers have been murdered in the city since last October. The frequency of these attacks suggests a targeted strategy by the bandits, who take advantage not only of the vulnerability of professionals but also of gaps in the security system.
Murhula was not just a simple money changer. Like many others in this thriving informal economy, he was a vital link in the local economic chain, offering currency exchange and mobile money services to Goma residents, often in precarious and dangerous circumstances. Murhula’s death highlights a tragic paradox: as Goma struggles for security and prosperity, those who operate at the heart of the local economy become prime targets.
### The authorities’ response to a security crisis
Former provincial MP Jean-Paul Lumbulumbu strongly expressed his outrage at the murder, calling on the authorities to step up their fight against organized crime. His call for a prompt and effective investigation reveals a palpable tension between citizens’ desire for security and the effectiveness of law enforcement, often overwhelmed by violence. The “Safisha Muji” campaign, launched by the mayor of Goma, is said to aim to restore state authority and restore order in neighborhoods. However, its ability to deliver on its promises in the face of rising violence is being questioned.
### A socio-economic analysis of money changers
Money changers, often seen as marginal players in the economy, play a crucial role in the fluidity of monetary transactions in contexts where formal banking services are often absent or inaccessible. The case of Goma is emblematic of the challenges encountered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, where the vast majority of the population depends on a parallel market for their financial needs.
The economy of money changers is not limited to simple currency conversion. These local entrepreneurs, who often operate without legal registration, create networks of economic services that promote community resilience in the face of instability.. When a money changer dies, a local entrepreneur disappears, ruining lives and depriving entire families of the income they need to survive.
### The urgent need for a collaborative approach
The Murhula massacre and the series of similar killings should not be seen as isolated acts of violence, but as an urgent call for a collective response. Authorities should consider an integrated security model that involves not only local police, but also civil society, non-governmental organizations and citizens themselves in combating violence.
Initiatives such as local security committees, where community actors can collaborate with law enforcement to strengthen the security of their immediate environment, can be a start. By involving the population in the management of security, a sense of ownership and collective responsibility for crime can be created.
### Conclusion: An Uncertain Future
Murhula’s death is a tragedy that illustrates the devastating reality faced by currency traders in Goma. This case highlights the need for a deeper reflection on security, the informal economy, and the role of local authorities. In this city plagued by violence, collective awareness and concerted action are essential to building a future where every citizen, whether a currency trader or not, can live in safety and dignity.
In short, fighting crime in Goma is not just a matter of policing; it is a matter of social justice, economic development, and humanity. If the community and authorities act together, there is still hope to be restored to this wounded city.