Economic situation: Goma into unprecedented financial crisis

The city of Goma, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is experiencing a major financial crisis two months after it was taken over by the M23 armed group.

The closure of banks, decided for security reasons, has paralysed the local economy, leaving thousands of families without access to their funds and plunging the population into a desperate situation.

The streets of Goma, once bustling with activity, are now deserted. Shopkeepers like Aline Safari describe an economy at a standstill: ‘We can’t work if the banks are closed. Faced with a shortage of cash, many people go to Gisenyi, in Rwanda, to withdraw money, but this solution remains inaccessible to the majority.

This crisis highlights the fragility of the local economy and the devastating impact of security instability on people’s daily lives.

source: africanews