In eastern DRC, prices have soared since the M23 rebels took up arms again at the end of 2021. Although the armed group has withdrawn from certain localities, the main axes that connect Goma, the regional capital to the rest of the province of North Kivu are now almost all cut off. Consequence: food products have difficulty reaching Goma, a city of more than one million inhabitants. The economic crisis worsens and the shortages worry the inhabitants.
Report in Goma by Coralie Pierret
Joséphine has been selling charcoal for several years at the Virunga market. This fuel, the Makala in Swahili, is used for cooking and therefore essential for all Congolese households: “ Before, the bag cost 25,000 Congolese francs, today it is sold for 80,000. Since the arrival of the M23 rebels, traffic has been difficult. »
Doubling the price
Everywhere, the price of staple foods has increased, even doubled. This is the case of potatoes, among staple foods, the price of which has doubled. Most come from Saké, about 30 km from Goma, a region very disturbed by the presence of the M23, explains another merchant: “ There are consequences because there are fewer customers »
” dropper »
” A shortfall for many traders. Especially since because of the fighting, the products arrive drop by drop in Goma “, recalls Jackson Kitambala, coordinator of the CLC, an association close to Cenco, the episcopal conference. Shortages that could extend beyond North Kivu. Goma supplies many basic necessities to other provinces, notably that of South Kivu.
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