**Title: Goma in the Grip of Clashes: An Eminent Humanitarian Crisis and a Call for Collective Action**
Since January 26, the city of Goma, known for its scenic beauty and cultural diversity, has been transformed into a theater of violence where the sound of gunfire and the anguish of residents replace the quiet rituals of daily life. The recurring clashes between the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), accompanied by their allies, highlight an alarming escalation of an already complex conflict.
### The Roots of an Enduring Conflict
To grasp the magnitude of the current crisis, it is crucial to delve into the history of tensions in the African Great Lakes region. The DRC has long been a crossroads of ethnic, geopolitical and economic rivalries, exacerbated by abundant natural resources often coveted by external actors. The M23, although born in 2012, falls back on nationalist and ethnic sentiments, fictitiously protected by promises of self-determination.
This struggle for control of Goma, strategically located near the Rwandan border and rich in minerals, should not be seen solely in terms of armed conflict, but also as a reflection of the unfulfilled economic and social aspirations of a population in search of stability. In December 2022, a report by the Congo Study Group revealed that approximately 5.7 million Congolese had been displaced due to the violence, illustrating the tragic scale of an ongoing humanitarian crisis.
### Powerlessness in the Face of Violence
The recent emergency meeting of the UN Security Council is a testament to the urgency of the situation. Calls for a cessation of hostilities by various countries highlight an international awareness, but the question arises: to what extent are these efforts capable of restoring a constructive dialogue between the parties concerned?
Peace initiatives, often centered on high-level discussions, forget the voices of local actors, those who live the impact of conflicts on a daily basis. Jonas Tshiombela, coordinator of the New Congolese Civil Society, emphasizes the need for an inclusive approach that places citizens at the center of the decision-making process. This raises a crucial question: how can sustainable peace be established if affected populations are left out of discussions that directly concern them?
### Towards a Durable Solution
To end this crisis, the international community must strive to foster an environment of regional cooperation. The extraordinary summit announced by the Kenyan EAC chairman could be a first step, but it must be backed up by concrete actions, such as observer missions to monitor compliance with ceasefires..
An alternative model could draw inspiration from successful peace initiatives in other regions, such as those that emerged from reconciliation processes in South Africa or Sierra Leone. These have integrated local dialogues into their overall strategy and have enabled popular mobilization around security and development issues.
### The Role of Historical Actors
In this perspective, the role of neighboring states, including Rwanda, cannot be minimized. The historical geopolitical dynamics in this region, including the 2009 agreements between the Congolese government and armed groups, have left deep scars. A genuine diplomatic re-engagement is imperative to establish lasting peace.
Furthermore, private sector engagement in rehabilitation and reconstruction processes can facilitate the return of displaced people and support community resilience. Local businesses, often underexploited in conflict contexts, could play a central role in economic recovery, thereby strengthening social cohesion.
### Conclusion: A Call for Unity and Resilience
The crisis in Goma is not just a question of clashes between rebels and the government. It embodies the anguish of a people in search of peace, security and dignity. As the international community, particularly through the UN and the EAC, mobilizes, it becomes crucial to highlight local voices in this debate.
The resolution of the crisis will not lie solely in isolated political decisions or military interventions, but in a conscious approach that listens to and values the aspirations of a population tired of violence. The hope for lasting peace will only be realized through a genuine commitment by all stakeholders to build bridges rather than walls. Goma, through its resilience, deserves a future where harmony and development take precedence over conflict.