The M23-AFC has announced a ceasefire from February 4, 2025 for humanitarian reasons. The group specifies that it has no intention of taking control of the city of Bukavu or other localities.
The city of Goma, the capital of the province of North Kivu, has been under occupation for a week by the rebel group M23, supported by Rwanda. Between shortages, paralysis of activities and insecurity, the inhabitants live in anguish, trapped in a city transformed into a conflict zone. This prolonged occupation worsens the humanitarian, economic and security crisis.
The usually lively streets of Goma are today marked by an atmosphere of desolation. Traffic remains limited, many businesses remain closed, some after being looted. As for the markets, they operate at a slow pace. Fear and uncertainty remain among the inhabitants, forcing them to coexist with the presence of the rebels.
Goma, which sheltered more than three million displaced people, has seen many of them flee to neighboring towns or try to reach Rwanda. The latter dispersed after the fighting that exposed their accommodation sites. Those who remain face severe food shortages and soaring prices for basic necessities.
Looting is increasing, making the situation even more critical. Goma’s international airport, schools, universities and public services remain closed. Despite the rebels’ attempt to impose an administration, the city has come to a standstill.
Essential infrastructure has been affected: water and electricity cuts are complicating residents’ daily lives, while some hospitals are operating at a slow pace due to a lack of medicines and staff, several sources say. Concerns about security are growing. “The rebels control strategic points and impose their law,” several residents say.
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