As armed conflict resurges in the Kivu Region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where there has been a massive wave of displacement, with over one million people fleeing their homes, according to the United Nations, thousands of traders, including Somali citizens have been caught in the clashes.
Since last week’s M23 rebel group seizure of control of Goma, the region’s largest city, forcing countless residents to flee, Somali traders, who have had an established presence in the local economy have been forced abandon their businesses including long distance tracks in flight and seek immediate refuge elsewhere.
Abdinassir, a Somali trader still trapped inside Goma, told Somalistream that he remains confined to his house as gunfire echoes throughout the city. Despite the chaos, he expressed cautious optimism, noting there are no signs of a targeted killings that either side in the conflict appears to have done so far. In the past Somali truck drivers, suppliers and traders have been attacked and killed in the same region.
Meanwhile, some Somali traders who fled to Kinshasa shared their accounts under the condition of anonymity, revealed that the most of Somali business owners in Goma have relocated to Bukavu, another adjacent city in eastern Congo, in pursuit of relative safety.
Although the M23 rebels have publicly pledged to ensure civilian safety and maintain a directive that doesn’t allow people out of Goma, some residents remain skeptical. Another trader who escaped the city described a dire escape, leaving behind valuable wealth and possessions, including fuel depots and retail shops. He emphasized the uncertainty of the situation, with tense conflict reverberating in all directions of the city.
In recent years, Somali traders have significantly invested in the North Kivu region. Apart from major businesses in Goma city, Somalis also invested significantly along the Uganda border while also living on the Rwandan side as well.
As many countries, particularly those within the East African Community (EAC) continue to issue statements calling for the cessation of violence, offering travel advisory and welfare checks of their citizens stranded in Goma, the Somali government through its foreign ministry is yet to issue any statement or provide consular assistance to rescue the stranded business people.
