In Goma, the main city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the prices of essential food items have more than doubled following its capture by M23 rebels. This has led to a situation where basic nutrition is now unaffordable for many residents, potentially pushing hundreds of thousands into severe hunger, according to the anti-poverty NGO ActionAid.
ActionAid staff collected data from three Goma markets – Virunga, Lenine, and Kituku – and found significant price increases on food staples like flour, beans, and oil ranging from 18 to 160 percent between January 25 and January 31.
After the takeover by Rwanda-backed M23 fighters on January 26, Goma experienced disruptions in services and business operations due to sporadic fighting with Congolese forces. While power has been largely restored, residents reported that prices of food items have doubled or even tripled since the rebel takeover.
A mother of seven shopping at Alanine Market expressed her concerns about the economic impact of high food prices during this time of conflict. A community volunteer in Goma highlighted how the cost of living has surged, making it difficult for most people to afford basic necessities.
ActionAid warned that the soaring costs of food are forcing families to skip meals, putting them at risk of malnutrition. The organization emphasized that more than 90 percent of Goma’s food comes from surrounding regions, but violence has disrupted the supply chain, leading to shortages and price hikes.
The deepening hunger crisis in Goma could have devastating effects, particularly on women and girls, who are at greater risk of exploitation and abuse. Before the recent escalation, a significant portion of the population in DRC was already experiencing food insecurity, with millions at risk of acute malnutrition in the coming months.
The World Food Programme (WFP) also raised concerns about the further displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in eastern DRC, including those living in camps in Goma who were already reliant on humanitarian aid before the conflict escalated. However, aid efforts are currently being blocked, hindering the delivery of essential assistance to those in need.
In an encouraging development, M23 announced a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, halting their advance across eastern DRC. This could potentially create an opportunity for aid organizations to access affected areas and provide much-needed support to the vulnerable population.
