**Goma: Between chaos and resilience of residents in the face of escalating conflict**
The city of Goma, capital of North Kivu, is once again plunged into a whirlwind of violence, as clashes between the Congolese army (FARDC), supported by allied forces, and the M23 rebels, aided by the Rwandan army, continue with alarming intensity. January 26, 2025 will mark this continuation of hostilities for the fourth consecutive day, fueling a climate of anxiety among residents.
For an in-depth analysis of the current situation, it is essential to take into account the historical and geopolitical context underlying these recurring armed conflicts. The Great Lakes region of Africa, and particularly Congo-Kinshasa, has been a breeding ground for armed clashes for decades, and the current dynamics between regional actors are no exception.
### A predictable escalation
A look at historical data shows that conflicts between the FARDC and the M23 are not new. Indeed, the latter, originally formed by former members of the CNDP (National Congress for the Defense of the People), have already experienced several resurgences. Tensions at the borders, particularly with Rwanda, further exacerbate the situation. The direct involvement of the Rwandan army in this conflict highlights the complexity of regional geopolitics, where shifting alliances can quickly transform localized conflicts into regional crises.
The phenomenon of deficient governance in North Kivu, aggravated by often failing public institutions, also contributes to the emergence of armed groups. A report by the Group for Analysis and Research on Conflicts in Africa (GARCA) states that 82% of violent incidents in the region are directly linked to struggles for control of natural resources. In the current context, the fight for control of Goma is therefore also a fight for access to strategic resources, including the minerals that make the Congolese subsoil so rich.
### The human cost of prolonged clashes
The humanitarian repercussions of these fights should not be underestimated. With nearly two million people already displaced in North Kivu province due to past conflicts, the current escalation could worsen the humanitarian crisis. According to UNICEF estimates, more than 500,000 children could find themselves in critical situations, without access to medical care or education. The flow of people fleeing the violence to more secure areas is only increasing, which could saturate the already fragile installations in these regions.
The ongoing fighting around Goma has notably led to a massive displacement of residents of Munigi and the Kanyarutshinya sites. An analysis of World Health Organization (WHO) data shows that displacement crises are often followed by an increase in cases of waterborne diseases, due to the breakdown of sanitation infrastructure.
### At the crossroads: resilience and resistance
Throughout the turmoil, the people of Goma and its surrounding areas are demonstrating incredible resilience. Civil society actors, often on the front lines, are trying to maintain a semblance of normalcy by setting up community initiatives to compensate for the absence of the state. Local organizations are trying to provide humanitarian aid, often in places where individuals have been left behind by larger institutions.
In the near future, resilience could also take on new political forms. The rise of community advocacy groups could lead to significant changes in the management of local conflicts. Increasingly, populations are beginning to seek autonomous solutions to ensure their security and protect their rights. This could also positively influence future peace negotiations in the region.
### Conclusion: A call for lasting peace
The current situation, while dire, could be viewed through the prism of hope and reconstruction. The path to lasting peace, however, requires the commitment of local and international actors. Neighboring countries, including Rwanda, have a crucial role to play in ceasing hostilities and promoting sincere dialogue.
For the people of Goma, the war is more than a territorial conflict; it is a fight for survival, dignity, and a peaceful future. Beyond the immediacy of the fighting, it is essential that the international community reassesses its approach and actively engages in a lasting resolution. Failure to act risks deepening a spiral of violence that has cost this already scarred region enough. It is time to take a fresh look at this confluence of challenges and opportunities that, in both the short and long term, will shape the future of Congo and its citizens.