**Goma under Siege: Reflections on an Enduring Conflict**
Three days after the outbreak of violent fighting between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) and the M23 rebels, the city of Goma, a flamboyant metropolis in North Kivu, is slowly emerging from the shadows of a conflict whose scars are still gaping. Despite the resurgence of activities, palpable tension and uncertainty remain omnipresent. This situation raises crucial questions not only about the present, but also about the future of this region already marked by decades of instability.
From an economic point of view, the return to normality is likely to be difficult. Residents, thirsty for resupply, must cope with the prolonged closure of businesses and the scarcity of basic necessities. It is worth noting that a recent World Bank study estimated that the seasonality of conflicts in eastern DRC can lead to a loss of 3% of GDP, an alarming figure that reflects the devastating economic impact that these clashes generate. The need to restore a minimum of essential services such as water, electricity and internet is therefore crucial for the economic survival of the region.
At the same time, the socio-political analysis of this umpteenth rise in tensions reveals a complex dynamic between local forces and armed groups. Testimonies from residents indicate that sporadic shootings in neighborhoods such as Katoyi and Majengo, a stronghold of the Wazalendo militia, are often the result of a denial of authority in the face of the M23, thus illustrating the fragmentation of local power. This phenomenon is reminiscent of armed conflicts in other regions of the world where armed groups emerge not only as military actors, but also as administrative services in parallel with the State.
Furthermore, it is essential to reflect on the call for order issued by a local official regarding the cleaning of the city. Indeed, abandoned military vehicles and unused explosives on the roads testify to a disconcerting reality. The images of a Goma clogged with war debris evoke other conflict contexts, notably in regions such as Syria or Iraq, where the disorganization following clashes has often complicated humanitarian efforts. The absence of a strategy for disarmament and reintegration of armed groups into society represents a major challenge, not only for Goma, but for the whole of the DRC. In 2019, research conducted by the International Crisis Group highlighted that the withdrawal of armed groups without a reintegration plan can often resurface in cyclical violence.
The importance of the international community in this situation cannot be underestimated. Humanitarian support and a serious commitment to reconciliation are imperative to overcome these recurring crises. The mobilization of NGOs and international institutions must be accompanied by a long-term development strategy for the region. Investing in local infrastructure, promoting dialogue between different factions and strengthening state institutions are all necessary measures to break the cycle of violence.
At this critical juncture in its history, Goma must be seen not only as a city under siege, but as a metaphor for the broader struggles for peace, security and development in the DRC. People yearn for stability, but they also need a long-term framework that will allow them to transform their reality, reclaim their space and rebuild a community on solid foundations. The challenge is no longer just military, but lies in the ability to build stronger civil ties and ensure that local voices are heard in a peace process that, until now, has often neglected the concrete aspirations of affected populations.
Thus, Goma, despite the litany of destruction, can become a laboratory of new ideas for peaceful coexistence within the multi-ethnic societies of eastern Congo. The road is strewn with pitfalls, but each step in a positive direction can pave the way for unprecedented resilience. Everything depends on the collective will to build a future where the sound of weapons will give way to that of reconstruction and reconciliation. The road is long, but the determination of the people of Goma could well be the spark needed for lasting change.