Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is a city steeped in history and marked by both immense challenges and remarkable resilience. Situated on the picturesque northern shores of Lake Kivu, with the imposing Virunga Mountains as its backdrop, Goma is a bustling urban center with an estimated population of nearly 2 million people . The city’s name, derived from the Swahili word “ngoma” meaning “drum,” is believed to be a reference to the sounds of a volcanic eruption that reshaped the area’s topography long ago . This vibrant city has been shaped by its strategic location, its role in regional conflicts, and the enduring spirit of its people.
Goma is strategically located on the Goma plain, a fertile expanse of volcanic soil formed by ancient lava flows. This plain is bordered by the Virunga Mountains to the west, a chain of volcanic peaks that includes the active volcano Mount Nyiragongo . The presence of this active volcano has posed a significant threat to the city throughout its history, with major eruptions in 1977 and 2002 causing widespread destruction and displacement .
A History Forged in Conflict
Goma’s history is intertwined with the turbulent past of the DRC. Originally a small trading post and crossroads for overland routes between Central Africa and the Indian Ocean in the 1890s, Goma gradually grew in importance . In 1910, it was officially recognized as a Belgian possession, and by the mid-20th century, it had become a vital hub for lake traffic and agricultural trade .
The city’s location in a volatile region has repeatedly placed it at the center of conflict. In 1994, the Rwandan genocide triggered a massive influx of refugees into Goma, overwhelming relief camps and leading to a severe humanitarian crisis . Overcrowding and inadequate sanitation in the camps resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 people from diseases like cholera, dysentery, and measles . The First and Second Congo Wars further destabilized the region, with Goma changing hands between various armed groups . Key events in Goma’s history include the establishment of Albert National Park in 1925, the founding of the University of Goma in 1993, and the capture of the city by the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo in 1996 .
In recent years, the city has faced renewed challenges with the resurgence of the M23 rebel group. Backed by Rwandan troops, the M23 launched a major offensive in 2022, capturing territory and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. In January 2025, the M23 seized control of Goma after intense fighting that left dozens killed and many more injured. This offensive has devastated the city’s infrastructure, leaving Goma largely without electricity and water . The M23 has threatened to march all the way to Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, raising fears of a wider regional war with potentially seismic impacts across central Africa .
Challenges and Opportunities
Goma faces a multitude of challenges, including poverty, disease, and violence. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated these problems, displacing people from their homes, disrupting essential services, and hindering economic development . The conflict has also had a devastating impact on education, with reports of children being recruited by rebels and schools being occupied by armed groups . The indiscriminate shelling of displacement camps and other densely populated areas has further increased the risk to civilians, resulting in injuries, deaths, and widespread fear .
The abundance of valuable minerals in the region, including gold, coltan, and cobalt, has attracted both local and international actors, contributing to the ongoing instability. The M23’s control of Goma provides them with access to a key border city and a critical mineral smuggling route into Rwanda.
Despite these challenges, there are also opportunities for development in Goma. The city has significant potential in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and mining . The presence of Virunga National Park, home to endangered mountain gorillas, could attract tourists and generate revenue if stability is restored. With fertile volcanic soil and a favorable climate, agriculture could be a source of livelihood for many . However, the ongoing conflict has disrupted agricultural production and led to a reliance on food imports from Uganda, with rising food prices further impacting residents .
The DRC has vast potential for renewable energy development, including hydropower and solar energy . The country has the potential to generate over 100,000 MW of hydropower, more than half of Africa’s total potential, and also has significant potential for solar energy production .
A Diverse Cultural Landscape
Despite the ongoing conflict, Goma retains a vibrant cultural identity. The city is home to a diverse population, with a mix of ethnic groups and languages . Swahili is the national language, but French and other local languages are also spoken . Goma is home to several ethnic groups, including Tutsi, Hutu, Hunde, Kano, Nande, and Nyanga, and ethnic tensions, often rooted in economic rivalries, have also contributed to the complex dynamics of the region .
Religion plays a significant role in Goma’s cultural landscape. Today, 50% of the DRC’s population is Roman Catholic, 20% is Protestant, 10% is Muslim, 10% is Kimbanguist (a form of indigenous Christianity), and 10% practices traditional indigenous beliefs .
Music plays a significant role in Goma’s culture. The city has a thriving music scene, with genres ranging from traditional Congolese music to hip-hop and R&B . The annual Amani Festival, a celebration of peace and music, is a testament to the city’s artistic spirit . One notable example of Goma’s musical creativity is the “Cho Cho Cho” music video, the first music video produced by the youth of Goma . This video, created in a Beat Making Lab, was inspired by a popular call-and-response chant in Goma and filmed during Yole! Africa’s SKIFF Festival dance competition .
Art is another important aspect of Goma’s cultural landscape. The Foyer Culturel de Goma, a regional cultural center and art school, provides training in various artistic disciplines, including dance, music, and spoken word . The center offers courses in guitar, piano, vocal performance, percussion, dance, and spoken word, and also engages in educational exchanges with institutions in Kinshasa and Belgium . Community art projects, such as the murals created by the Girl Awakening initiative, empower young women and challenge gender stereotypes . These murals address important social issues, such as the right to education, the right to be protected from violence, and the right to have a family .
Traditional Congolese crafts and canvas drawings are also popular art forms in Goma . These can be found at various locations, including Ihusi and VIP palace hotels, and at a shop on the roundabout near the post in the center of town .
Slam poetry has emerged as a powerful form of expression in Goma, with artists using their words to address social and political issues and raise awareness about the challenges faced by the community . These “eruptions of words” provide a platform for social commentary and activism, highlighting the role of art in promoting dialogue and change .
Food is also an integral part of Goma’s culture. Congolese cuisine is diverse, with staple foods like cassava, fufu, rice, and plantains . Popular dishes include moamba (a sauce made from peanut butter), chikwangue (fermented bread made from cassava), and liboke (a dish of meat or fish steamed in banana leaves) . However, the ongoing conflict has disrupted food supplies and led to rising prices, creating a food crisis in the city .
The International Community’s Role
The international community plays a crucial role in supporting Goma and addressing the challenges it faces. UN agencies, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), provide humanitarian assistance to displaced people and support community development . The IOM has been supporting displaced and host communities in Goma by providing emergency shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene assistance, as well as camp coordination and management services .
NGOs, like Doctors Without Borders and the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO), provide medical care, promote safety, and advocate for human rights . Doctors Without Borders has been providing medical assistance to those injured in the conflict and supporting hospitals in Goma that are overwhelmed by the influx of patients . INSO provides safety coordination platforms for humanitarian aid workers, offering services such as real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, and crisis management support .
Other NGOs working in Goma include Dynamique des Femmes Juristes (DFJ), which focuses on the protection and promotion of women’s and children’s rights, and Save Communities in Conflicts (SCC), which works to promote peace and mitigate the effects of violent conflict .
However, NGOs operating in Congo face significant challenges, including corruption, tribalism, and authoritarianism . These challenges can hinder their effectiveness and create obstacles to achieving their goals.
The UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, has a presence in Goma and works to protect civilians and disarm combatants . However, the mission has faced criticism for its effectiveness in addressing the ongoing conflict .
International partners have a crucial role to play in exerting pressure on all parties to the conflict to prioritize civilian protection and ensure humanitarian access . The ongoing conflict has severely disrupted humanitarian aid delivery, with reports of looting of warehouses and attacks on humanitarian facilities .
The UN Security Council has condemned the M23’s advances and called for an immediate halt to the violence, the withdrawal of external forces from the DRC, and the resumption of diplomatic talks .
A City Looking to the Future
Goma is a city at a crossroads. The ongoing conflict poses a serious threat to its stability and development. However, the resilience of its people, the richness of its culture, and the potential for economic growth offer hope for a brighter future. With the support of the international community, Goma can overcome its challenges and build a more peaceful and prosperous future for its citizens.
| Commune | Quartier |
|---|---|
| Goma | Les Volcanoes, Mikeno, Mapendo, Katindo, Himbi, Keshero, Lac Vert |
| Karisimbi | Kahembe, Katoyi, Majengo, Mabanga-Nord, Mabanga-Sud, Kasika, Murara, Virunga, Ndosho, Mugunga, Bujovu |
Goma stands as a SYMBOL of the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. Despite decades of conflict and instability, the city continues to thrive, its people demonstrating remarkable resilience and a deep commitment to their community. The vibrant cultural landscape of Goma, with its diverse music, art, and food traditions, provides a source of strength and hope in the face of ongoing challenges.
However, the cyclical nature of conflict in Goma, fueled by local tensions and the exploitation of mineral resources, poses a significant threat to the city’s future. The complex interplay of local and international actors, including the Congolese government, armed groups, neighboring countries, and the UN, makes finding a sustainable solution to the conflict a daunting task.
The international community must continue to support Goma in its efforts to achieve peace and development. This includes providing humanitarian assistance, promoting economic development, advocating for an end to the conflict, and ensuring the protection of civilians. The resilience and determination of the people of Goma, coupled with the support of the international community, offer hope that the city can overcome its challenges and build a more peaceful and prosperous future. Sources and related content