Exactly one year after Goma fell to the AFC/M23 on January 27, 2025, the tourist city of North Kivu remains plunged into desolation. Local civil society denounces massive exodus, an economy suffocated by rebel taxes, and persistent insecurity. Residents are calling for the urgent return of Congolese state authority, through dialogue or by force, to end daily misery.

Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, fell under the control of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) rebels on January 27, 2025. Exactly one year after this event, local civil society delivers a damning assessment of daily life for Goma's inhabitants and its surroundings. In an interview given to the press today, Marrion Ngavho Kambale, president of Goma City Civil Society (SOCIV), recounts the circumstances preceding the city's fall.

"As early as January 25 and 26, 2025, suspicions of infiltrations were circulating in Goma, even though life remained relatively normal despite increased militarization," he explains.

The actual takeover took place on January 27 and 28, despite disorganized but courageous resistance from the FARDC and Wazalendo, particularly at the port, the airport, and on Mont Goma. "This bravery deserves to be commended," insists Marrion Ngavho Kambale.

The fall of Goma sparked a forced exodus of many socio-professional categories: civil society actors, human rights defenders, merchants, members of the clergy, and state officials. "Soldiers were disarmed or surrendered, mercenaries found refuge with MONUSCO, and a large part of the population took the path of exile," testifies the SOCIV president.

One year later, the local economy is in ruins. Bank closures, liquidity shortages, and a proliferation of taxes imposed by the rebel administration have paralyzed commerce. "There are no more jobs in Goma. Trade is strangled by illegal taxes that skyrocket prices and plunge residents into misery," he laments. Civil society also points to the establishment of commercial monopolies and massive unemployment in areas controlled by M23/AFC.

On the security front, Marrion Ngavho Kambale denounces serious human rights violations and a heavy human toll paid over the past year. "The populations of Goma and its surroundings demand the effective return of state authority, whether through dialogue or by force, to end misery and insecurity," he concludes.

One year after its capture, Goma remains a wounded city, where residents live in anticipation of lasting peace and the restoration of Congolese authority.

Gloire Tsongo GT