Intense fighting in eastern DR Congo disrupts trade, forcing Somali business owners into hiding as violence escalates.
The M23 rebel group’s advance into Goma, a key economic hub in eastern DR Congo, has paralyzed trade, displaced thousands, and left Somali business owners stranded. With ongoing clashes between M23 and government forces, reports indicate that at least 17 people have been killed, while over 300 are injured. Thousands of civilians, including the city’s Somali traders, are sheltering indoors as gunfire and explosions continue.
Somali entrepreneurs in Goma’s fuel and cargo trade have been particularly hard-hit, with businesses shuttered and supply chains disrupted. “We rely on fuel trade, but everything has stopped,” said Subeyr Haji, a Somali businessman. He noted that while no Somali casualties have been reported, the situation remains dire, with no flights or movement of goods as Goma’s airport remains shut.
International calls for a ceasefire are growing. Kenyan President William Ruto has called an emergency summit involving DR Congo and Rwanda’s leaders to seek a resolution. Meanwhile, 400,000 people have fled North and South Kivu provinces, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
The Congolese government insists it still controls key positions, including the airport, but uncertainty looms as M23 strengthens its hold. With trade halted, civilians trapped, and aid blocked, the fate of Goma’s residents—including its Somali business community—hangs in the balance.
