As the world anticipates the arrival of 2025, a sense of sorrow and unease hangs over the city of Goma in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The ongoing conflict that has plagued the region for months now casts a long shadow over what would otherwise be a time of celebration, leaving the hope for a brighter future seemingly out of reach.
The central market in Goma, typically vibrant and bustling with energy as the New Year nears, is now dismal. Stalls stand nearly empty, vendors appear disheartened, and there are few customers to be seen. The escalating conflict between the Congolese army and the M23 has only intensified in recent months, pushing the city into a state of fear and uncertainty.
Josephine Kahindo, a mother of four, expresses her struggle to find joy in the midst of war: “The holidays are here, but we haven’t seen anything. A holiday during the war, a holiday with many problems. We don’t know what our children will eat or wear. We just watch other people pass by, but we don’t know anything about the holidays.”
The war has had a devastating impact on the local economy. Business activities are stalled, investments have come to a halt, and government tax revenues have dropped significantly. The financial losses are staggering, and this economic strain is expected to hinder the region’s growth for years to come.
Deogracias Bengehya, an economics professor, sheds light on the economic toll: “These food products are becoming scarce. With the law of supply and demand, the price trend is increasing, and when prices rise, purchasing power deteriorates and decreases. Not only that, but there are also other people who rely on small businesses.”
For the people of Goma, the only wish this New Year is for peace. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged both the M23 and Rwanda to end the violence and pull back their forces from the DRC during a phone conversation with the heads of state.
Despite these calls for peace, Goma remains shrouded in uncertainty. As the residents brace for a New Year marked by fear and deprivation, they hold onto the hope that 2025 will finally bring peace and stability to their region.
