Food prices in Goma, DRC, have surged by 18% to 160% following M23’s capture of the city. Locals face severe challenges in accessing basic nutrition due to escalating prices and disrupted supply chains. Over 90% of Goma’s food supplies come from surrounding areas severely impacted by conflict, leading to a worsening hunger crisis affecting vulnerable populations. ActionAid highlights an urgent need for humanitarian aid access amid this crisis.
Food prices have surged dramatically in Goma, a significant city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following its capture by M23 rebels. Locals and the NGO ActionAid report increases in essential item prices ranging from 18% to 160%, severely impacting food accessibility. As conflict disrupts supply chains and blocks humanitarian aid, many residents find basic nutrition unaffordable, leading to a potential hunger crisis affecting hundreds of thousands.
Following the January 26 takeover by M23, fighting and infrastructural disruptions saw prices of staple items, such as flour and oil, more than double across Goma’s markets. Despite the restoration of some local services, reports indicate that consumer costs have remained exorbitant, prompting urgent calls for intervention. One resident articulated the community’s struggles, emphasizing the detrimental economic impact of this instability on families.
The invasion has hindered food supply lines, with over 90% of supplies for Goma coming from surrounding areas that are now cut off due to violence. Consequently, the International Food Security Phase Classification had already categorized a considerable portion of the local population in “crisis” and “emergency” food security conditions prior to this escalation. Aid organizations foresee worsening malnutrition levels, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Shortages stemming from the conflict have left displaced individuals in Goma reliant on humanitarian support, which has been obstructed. An ActionAid representative stressed the urgent need for safe humanitarian access as escalating prices and limited means force families to forego meals. A ceasefire was declared by M23 in a bid to facilitate humanitarian aid, yet significant challenges remain in addressing the crisis.
The current humanitarian situation in Goma, DRC, has been exacerbated by the recent takeover by M23 rebels. This event has significantly disrupted local economies and supply chains, contributing to astronomical increases in food prices. The larger context includes ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which has rendered millions food insecure, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as women and children. ActionAid and other organizations have been highlighting the critical need for humanitarian access to address these urgent crises.
The takeover of Goma by M23 rebels has resulted in unprecedented food price inflation, critically impacting the local population’s access to basic necessities. As the conflict continues to obstruct aid delivery and local economies falter, there is an urgent need for humanitarian access to prevent widespread malnutrition and further displacement. The declaration of a ceasefire by M23 provides a glimmer of hope for potential aid efforts, yet the challenges ahead remain significant.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
