What is happening in Goma?
Two weeks ago, we shared an emergency update on the violent clashes across eastern DRC. The number of people displaced has since quadrupled. Since then, violence has rapidly intensified. M23 have launched offensives in and around the major eastern city of Goma, home to over one million people. The UN, as well as governments of the EU, UK, US have all called on Rwanda to withdraw its support, and for Rwanda and the DRC to de-escalate.
The lack of media and political attention on the conflict has meant warring parties have been able to act without meaningful scrutiny or consequences. As people are forcibly displaced, many for the second or third time, a severe lack of water, food, electricity, internet and medical supplies is intensifying the already critical crisis they face.
Goma has been without electricity and running water for days now. One of our partners in the DRC shares that supplies are rapidly dwindling; “we have enough [supplies] to last 2 to 3 weeks. The problem is the lack of electricity and water.” Rwandan-backed M23 have cut off all access to Goma meaning humanitarian assistance is severely limited, compounding the crisis.
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Our partners in the region are currently focused on protecting themselves and their loved ones. In Goma and across North Kivu, people are living through an immense crisis. Through this, there is little time for rest for local peacebuilders in Goma right now. One of our partners shared how he is feeling:
“I’m putting the children to bed first; they’re all gripped by fear… I think I’ll rest after they’ve all slept.”
As the situation develops, our partners know that humanitarian assistance alone will not be enough to bring peace to the region. They want to see an end to the conflict, as well as justice and accountability for the perpetrators. And to end the violence and help bring governments of the DRC and Rwanda back to the negotiating table, they point to meaningful international engagement and solidarity.
“Time is of the essence. Each day without action amplifies civilian suffering and weakens regional peace prospects.”
Back in February 2024, another of our peacebuilding partners in the DRC (Bureau de Soutien pour la Consolidation de la Paix en République démocratique du Congo), made this urgent appeal to the international community.
