### Goma in the Dark: When the Energy Crisis is Coupled with Growing Insecurity
#### The City Plunged into Darkness
Since January 22, 2025, a large part of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, has been facing a major power outage. The failure of the high-voltage line connecting Bukavu to Goma has plunged not only homes into darkness, but also a surge of worry and anxiety among the population, already affected by the persistent threat of the M23 armed group. In this context, the deprivation of energy only worsens an already precarious situation, where fears for personal safety are added to economic losses.
#### A Precarious Situation
The statements by the National Electricity Company (SNEL) announcing apologies and promising rapid intervention by technical teams are both reassuring and worrying. The resilience of essential companies like SNEL is being tested in this region, where infrastructure is often fragile due to protracted conflicts and administrative inefficiency. Testimonies from residents, such as those of Mangaza Sophie and Alex Mugaruka, illustrate a growing desperation in the face of a combination of physical insecurity and energy instability.
Let us compare this scenario with other major cities in the Great Lakes region. In similar cases, such as the city of Bujumbura, energy deprivation has led to social protests, exacerbating community tensions. Could Goma be on the verge of a similar event, if the situation does not improve quickly?
#### Alternative solutions: between innovation and necessity
The power outage has also highlighted the energy alternatives adopted by the Gomatracians. The search for generators and solar panels indicates a rapid adaptation of the population to these realities. According to a 2023 study, nearly 40% of Goma residents were already using such solutions, driven by the need to ensure a minimum of comfort and functional safety. However, these solutions come with a high operational cost that the majority of low-income households cannot afford.
Businesses, for their part, are faced with rising operating costs, making economic survival even more complex. How can Goma’s economic fabric recover in the face of these challenges? Are there possible interventions from local authorities to alleviate this crisis, such as temporary subsidies for small businesses and the most affected households?
#### Reflections on security and stability
Goma is often described as a resilient city, however, when examining the effects of a power outage in a context of insecurity, deeper questions emerge about the sustainability of this resilience. Civilians, already on the frontlines of violent conflict, could see their trust in institutions further eroded if their most basic needs, such as water, energy, and security, are not met.
Statistically, regions that have suffered a prolonged energy crisis have seen an increase in social tensions, often coupled with an increase in acts of violence. As Goma confronts this new crisis, it is crucial that local and national governments, as well as international agencies, take concrete steps to prevent an escalation of tensions that could have serious consequences for peace and stability in the region.
#### Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
In sum, the current situation in Goma is not limited to a simple power outage but is emblematic of the broader challenges related to political instability and humanitarian crises. Collaboration between authorities, NGOs and the private sector could provide not only an adequate response to the energy crisis but also important prospects for restoring citizens’ trust in their institutions.
A quick return to electricity may provide temporary relief, but it is essential that a concerted effort be undertaken to redress a city whose future depends on its ability to provide security, energy, and prosperity to its citizens. Goma deserves more than temporary fixes; it deserves lasting solutions now.