DR Congo: Goma Grapples with Lingering Trauma Six Months After M23 Takeover

Six months after the M23 rebel group seized control of Goma, a major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), signs of normalcy are slowly returning. However, beneath the surface, deep emotional scars persist, particularly among women who endured sexual violence during the intense fighting between the rebels and the Congolese army.

The BBC's Paul Njie, who initially reported from Goma in February, recently revisited the city to assess the situation. While commercial activity has resumed and some residents have returned, the psychological wounds inflicted during the conflict are proving much harder to heal.

A City Marked by Conflict

Goma's strategic location near the border with Rwanda and Uganda has made it a flashpoint in the DRC's long history of conflict. The M23, a predominantly Tutsi-led rebel group, has repeatedly challenged the authority of the Congolese government, citing marginalization and the need for protection against other armed groups. The latest offensive, which began in late 2021, saw the rebels rapidly gain ground, culminating in the capture of Goma in early 2024.

The fighting displaced hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom sought refuge in overcrowded camps on the outskirts of the city. The chaos and breakdown of law and order created a breeding ground for sexual violence, with women and girls disproportionately affected.

The Enduring Trauma of Sexual Violence

Reports of sexual assault and rape surged during the M23 offensive. Survivors often face immense stigma and difficulty accessing medical and psychological support. Many are left to cope with their trauma in silence, further compounding their suffering.

“The use of sexual violence as a weapon of war is a tragic and deeply rooted problem in the DRC,” says Dr. Chantal Mutombo, a Kinshasa-based expert on conflict resolution and gender-based violence. “The lack of accountability for perpetrators and the inadequate support for survivors perpetuate a cycle of impunity and suffering. Addressing this requires a multi-faceted approach, including strengthening the justice system, providing comprehensive medical and psychological care, and challenging the social norms that condone such violence.”

Challenges to Recovery

The Congolese government, supported by international partners, has launched initiatives to provide assistance to victims of sexual violence. However, these efforts are often hampered by limited resources, logistical challenges, and ongoing insecurity in the region.

Limited access to healthcare facilities in conflict-affected areas. Lack of specialized psychological support for trauma survivors. Stigma and discrimination faced by survivors within their communities. Insufficient funding for programs addressing gender-based violence.

Furthermore, the presence of numerous armed groups in eastern DRC continues to pose a significant threat to civilians. The M23, despite facing pressure from Congolese forces and regional peace initiatives, remains a potent force, and other armed groups continue to operate in the area, perpetuating a climate of fear and instability.

The Path Forward

Achieving lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC will require a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict. This includes strengthening governance, promoting economic development, and addressing the grievances of marginalized communities. Critically, it also demands accountability for human rights abuses and a commitment to providing justice and support for victims of violence.

“The international community has a responsibility to stand in solidarity with the people of the DRC and to support their efforts to build a more peaceful and just society,” argues Professor Jean-Claude Mbemba, a political analyst at the University of Lubumbashi. “This requires not only providing humanitarian assistance but also working to address the underlying drivers of conflict, including the illicit exploitation of natural resources and the proliferation of arms.”

As Goma slowly rebuilds, the emotional scars of the M23 takeover serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. Only through sustained efforts to promote peace, justice, and reconciliation can the DRC hope to break the cycle of violence and create a brighter future for its people.