View source for Goma

{{Other uses}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Goma
| official_name      = ''Ville de Goma''
| settlement_type    = Provincial capital and [[Cities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|city]]
| nicknames          = 
| image_skyline      = Ville de Goma vue aérienne.png
| imagesize          = 250
| image_caption      = View of Goma in 2023
| image_flag         = 
| image_seal         = 
| pushpin_map        = Democratic Republic of the Congo
| map_caption        = Location in the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congo]]
| subdivision_type   = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name   = [[Democratic Republic of the Congo|DR Congo]]
| subdivision_type1  = [[Provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Province]]
| subdivision_name1  = [[North Kivu]]
| parts_type         = [[Communes of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Communes]]
| subdivision_type2  = Control
| subdivision_name2  = 
| parts_style        = para
| p1                 = [[Goma (commune)|Goma]]
| p2                 = [[Karisimbi (commune)|Karisimbi]]
| leader_title       = [[List of mayors of Goma|Mayor]]
| leader_name        = Faustin Kapend Kamand<ref>{{cite news |title= Goma: le maire de la ville insiste sur le respect de la décision interdisant le transport des camions du sable pour des raisons sécuritaires |url= https://actualite.cd/2024/07/13/goma-le-maire-de-la-ville-insiste-sur-le-respect-de-la-decision-interdisant-le-transport |access-date=1 December 2024 |work= [[Actualite.cd]] |date= 13 July 2024|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Nord-Kivu : Présentation de 34 présumés bandits armés à Goma dont l'un impliqué dans l'assassinat de l'ambassadeur italien |url= https://lepotentiel.cd/2024/07/01/nord-kivu-presentation-de-34-presumes-bandits-armes-a-goma-dont-lun-implique-dans-lassassinat-de-lambassadeur-italien/ |access-date=1 December 2024 |work= [[Le Potentiel]] |date= 1 July 2024|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Goma: Le commissaire supérieur Principal Kapend Kamand Faustin prend la commande de la ville |url= https://kivumorningpost.cd/2023/07/25/goma-le-commissaire-superieur-principal-kapend-kamand-faustin-prend-la-commande-de-la-ville/ |access-date=1 December 2024 |work= Kivu Morning Post |date= 25 July 2023|language=fr}}</ref>
| total_type         = City
| area_note          = 
| area_magnitude     = 
| area_total_km2     = 75.72
| area_water_km2     = 
| population_as_of   = 2024
| population_metro   = 782,000<ref>{{cite news |title= Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo Population |url= https://populationstat.com/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/goma |access-date=7 February 2025 |work= PopulationStat |date= 7 February 2025}}</ref>
| population_blank1_title = Ethnicities
| population_blank1  = {{flatlist|
* [[Nande people|Banande]]
* [[Hunde people|Bahunde]]
* [[Nyanga people|Banyanga]]
* [[Tembo (Kitembo) language|Batembo]]
* Bambuba
* [[Lese language|Balese]]
* Batalinga
* Bapere
* Bakano
* Bakusu
* [[Komo people (Democratic Republic of the Congo)|Bakumu]]
* [[Twa|Batwa (pygmies)]]
* [[Banyarwanda]]
}}
| population_total   = 
| population_density_km2 = auto
| blank_name_sec1    = National language
| blank_info_sec1    = [[Swahili language|Swahili]]
| timezone           = [[Central Africa Time|CAT]]
| utc_offset         = +2
| coordinates        = {{coord|01|40|46|S|29|14|01|E|region:CD|display=inline,title}}
| blank1_name_sec2   = Climate
| blank1_info_sec2   = [[Tropical savanna climate|Aw]]
| website            = 
| footnotes          = 
| mapframe          = yes
| mapframe-zoom     = 11
| mapframe-wikidata = yes
}}
 
'''Goma''' is a city in the eastern [[Democratic  Republic of the Congo]]. It is the [[Capital city|capital]] and largest city of the [[North Kivu|North Kivu Province]]; it is located on the northern shore of [[Lake Kivu]] and shares borders with the [[Bukumu Chiefdom]] to the north, [[Rwanda]] to the east and the [[Masisi Territory]] to the west. The city lies in the [[Albertine Rift]], the western branch of the [[East African Rift]], and is only {{cvt|13|-|18|km}} south of the active volcano [[Mount Nyiragongo]]. With an approximate area of {{cvt|75.72|km2}}, the city had a population of 782,000 people in 2024,<ref name=":45">{{Cite web |title=Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo Population (2025) |url=https://populationstat.com/democratic-republic-of-the-congo/goma |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=PopulationStat}}</ref>
with an additional 500,000 [[displaced people]].<ref name=Kakozi2022/><ref>[[United Nations Department of Global Communications|UN News]]. [https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/12/1157971 Security Council hears of ongoing imperative to end violence in eastern DR Congo]. 9 December 2024.</ref><ref>Rolley, Sonia. [https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/thousands-uprooted-congo-m23-rebels-near-goma-major-advance-2025-01-23/ Thousands uprooted as Congo M23 rebels near Goma in major advance]. [[Reuters]], 23 January 2025.</ref>

Goma is administratively divided into two urban municipalities: [[Goma (commune)|Goma]] and [[Karisimbi (commune)|Karisimbi]], which are further subdivided into 18 [[Quarter (urban subdivision)|quarters]], colloquially recognized as "[[Neighbourhood|neighborhoods]]" in the English lexicon. The city is home to several notable landmarks, including [[Goma International Airport]], the [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]] [[Virunga National Park]], the private [[Christianity|Christian]] [[Mixed-sex education|co-educational]] school [[Adventist University of Goma]], the [[University of Goma]], and is also surrounded by the active [[Virunga Mountains|Virunga volcanic range]], which includes volcanoes [[Nyamuragira|Nyamulagira]], [[Mount Nyiragongo|Nyiragongo]], [[Mount Mikeno|Mikeno]], [[Mount Bisoke|Visoke]], [[Mount Gahinga|Gahinga]], [[Mount Karisimbi|Karisimbi]], and [[Mount Sabyinyo|Sabinyo]]. Goma also hosts the annual [[Festival Amani|Amani Festival]], the [[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]], which supports local development initiatives, as well as the regional cultural center and art school, [[Foyer Culturel de Goma]].

The recent history of Goma has been dominated by the volcano and the [[Rwandan genocide]] of 1994, which in turn fueled the [[First Congo War|First]] and [[Second Congo War]]s. The aftermath of these events was still having effects on the city and its surroundings in 2010. The city was captured by rebels of the [[March 23 Movement]] during the [[M23 rebellion (2012–2013)|M23 rebellion]] in late 2012, and then retaken by Congolese government forces. {{As of|2025|Jan}}, the city is once again under the control of M23, following [[M23 offensive (2022–present)|a fresh offensive by the group]] that culminated in the [[2025 Goma offensive|Battle of Goma]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nantulya |first=Paul |title=Risk of Regional Conflict Following Fall of Goma and M23 Offensive in the DRC |url=https://africacenter.org/spotlight/risk-of-regional-conflict-following-fall-of-goma-and-m23-offensive-in-the-drc/ |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=Africa Center |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Etymology ==
The name ''Goma'' derived from a modification of {{lang|bnt|[[Ngoma drums|ngoma]]}}, the city's former designation, a term of profound cultural and linguistic relevance among [[Bantu languages|Bantu]]-speaking communities throughout [[Central Africa|Central]], [[Southern Africa|Southern]], and [[East Africa]].<ref name=":34">{{Cite web |last=Nzayo |first=Jackson Amani |date=2015 |title=Contribution de l'ONGD CAJED sur l'encadrement de la jeunesse désœuvré de la ville de Goma |trans-title=Contribution of the NGO CAJED on the supervision of unemployed youth in the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/04/17/9857/m_Contribution-de-l-ONGD-CAJED-sur-l-encadrement-de-la-jeunesse-desuvree-de-la-ville-de-Goma8.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Dévéloppement Rural des Grands Lacs |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Salama |first=Umbo |date=24 December 2022 |title=Au Nord-Kivu, des villes et territoires n'ont plus des noms authentiques |trans-title=Let's get back to our words, tones… names of places in North Kivu |url=https://icicongo.net/2022/12/24/revenons-a-nos-mots-tons-des-noms-des-lieux-du-nord-kivu/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=IciCongo |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref name=":35">{{Cite web |last=Seck |first=Nago |date=6 July 2008 |title=Le ngoma |url=https://www.afrisson.com/ngoma-5483/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=Afrisson |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref name=":36">{{Cite web |title=Ngoma |url=https://sekuru.org/ngoma/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=Sekuru's Stories |language=en}}</ref> {{lang|bnt|Ngoma}} is translated as "[[drum]]", and is commonly associated with ritual dances and ceremonies in these regions.<ref name=":35" /><ref name=":36" /> This etymological link is believed to allude to the resonant, drum-like sounds emitted during a volcanic eruption that altered the area's historical topography.<ref name=":34" /> The eruption led to the destruction of the original village, prompting its inhabitants to disperse and establish three new villages: ''Ngoma'', which evolved into modern Goma; ''Matcha'', contemporary [[Sake, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Sake]]; and ''Munti'', which is now known as [[Bukumu Chiefdom#Administrative division|Munigi ''groupement'' of Bukumu Chiefdom]].<ref name=":34" />

Residents of Goma are sometimes referred to as ''Gomatraciens'', though this term is seldom used locally.<ref name=":332">{{Cite web |last1=Vlassenroot |first1=Koen |last2=Büscher |first2=Karen |date=November 2009 |title=The City as Frontier: Urban Development and Identity Processes in Goma |url=https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/Assets/Documents/PDFs/csrc-working-papers-phase-two/wp61.2-city-as-frontier.pdf |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=lse.ac.uk |publisher=[[London School of Economics|London School of Economics and Political Science]] |pages=11}}</ref> The suffix "''-tracien''" has scientific connotation classifications, often associated with the taxonomy of animal species, particularly [[Amphibian|amphibians]], which has led to its perception as artificial and unsuitable for describing human inhabitants.<ref name=":332" /> Instead, the term ''Goméen'' is favored for its more humanistic and natural connotation.<ref name=":332" />

== Geography ==
[[File:Rond point Tcukudu Goma (Vue de près).jpg|thumb|Goma's most-traveled Tcukudu roundabout, April 2022]]
Goma is the largest and [[capital city]] of the [[North Kivu]] Province in eastern [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hendriks |first1=M. |last2=Büscher |first2=K. |date=2019 |title=Insecurity in Goma: Experiences, actors and responses |url=https://riftvalley.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Insecurity-in-Goma-by-Maarten-Hendriks-and-Karen-Buscher-RVI-Usalama-Project-2019.pdf |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Riftvalley.net |publisher=Rift Valley Institute |page=9 |publication-place=Nairobi, Kenya}}</ref>
To Goma's north lies [[Nyiragongo Territory]], the [[Republic of Rwanda]] to the east, Lake Kivu to the south, and [[Masisi Territory]] to the west.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karumba |first=J. B. |date=2011 |title=De l'opportunité du développement du tourisme au nord Kivu. Cas de la ville de Goma |trans-title=The opportunity for tourism development in North Kivu. Case of the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/14/8505/De-l-opportunite-du-developpement-du-tourisme-au-nord-Kivu-Cas-de-la-ville-de-Goma.html |access-date=2024-02-16 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Tourisme de Goma (ISTou-Goma) |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref name=Mulumeoderhwa2012>{{Cite web |last=Mulumeoderhwa |first=D. M. |date=2012 |title=L'octroi des microcrédits par les institutions de microfinance et l'amélioration des conditions socio-économiques des ménages dans la ville de Goma |trans-title=The granting of microcredits by microfinance institutions and the improvement of the socio-economic conditions of households in the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/13/6704/m_Loctroi-des-microcredits-par-les-institutions-de-microfinance-et-lamelioration-des-condition7.html |access-date=2024-02-07 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural des Grands Lacs (ISDR-GL) |language=fr |place=Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Goma is strategically located on the Goma plain, which is composed of [[Volcano|volcanic]] [[lava]]s and gradual [[Slope stability|slopes]] gently towards [[Lake Kivu]].<ref name=Mulumeoderhwa2012/><ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Mussa |first=Kanambe Juakaly |date=2012 |title=L'émergence du M23 au Nord-Kivu et son impact sur la situation socio-économique des habitants de la ville de Goma |trans-title=The emergence of the M23 in North Kivu and its impact on the socio-economic situation of the inhabitants of the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/11/13/7719/m_L-emergence-du-M23-au-Nord-Kivu-et-son-impact-sur-la-situation-socio-economique-des-habitants-de-l7.html |access-date=2024-02-07 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural des Grands Lacs (ISDR-GL) |language=fr |publication-place=Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> The plain is also bordered by the [[Virunga Mountains]] to the west, which comprises prominent peaks such as [[Nyamuragira]], [[Mount Nyiragongo]], [[Mount Mikeno]], [[Mount Bisoke]], [[Mount Gahinga]], [[Mount Karisimbi]] and [[Mount Sabyinyo]].<ref name=Mulumeoderhwa2012/> Elevations in the northern part of the plain range from {{cvt|1640|to|2000|m}}, with the volcanic fields of Nyamuragira and Nyiragongo exhibiting continuous [[carbon dioxide]] [[degassing]]. Nyiragongo, in particular, has been active since the early 1900s, featuring an active [[lava lake]] and periodic eruptions, including notable events in 1977, 2002, and 2021.<ref name=":19">{{Cite journal |last1=Mafuko Nyandwi |first1=Blaise |last2=Kervyn |first2=Matthieu |last3=Habiyaremye |first3=François Muhashy |last4=Kervyn |first4=François |last5=Michellier |first5=Caroline |date=2023-03-03 |title=Differences in volcanic risk perception among Goma's population before the Nyiragongo eruption of May 2021, Virunga volcanic province (DR Congo) |url=https://biblio.vub.ac.be/vubirfiles/105590397/10.5194_nhess_23_933_2023.pdf |journal=Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences|volume=23 |issue=2 |pages=933–953 |doi=10.5194/nhess-23-933-2023 |doi-access=free |bibcode=2023NHESS..23..933M}}</ref>

The predominant terrain of Goma is [[Volcano|volcanic]], with only a small portion consisting of slightly [[sand]]y soil.<ref name=":3" /> The surface is covered with [[basalt]] flows, creating a [[Orthent|skeletal soil]] profile. Hills such as Mount Goma, Mount Ndosho, Mount Mugunga, and Mount Busara punctuate the landscape, although some areas are relatively flat.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Buchekabiri |first=Ephrem Chiruza |date=2013 |title=Analyse de la population de la ville de goma sur les programmes de la radio television communautaire Tayna Â« rtct Â» 2011–2012 |trans-title=Analysis of the population of the city of Goma on the programs of the community radio television Tayna “rtct” 2011–2012 |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/17/9500/m_Analyse-de-la-population-de-la-ville-de-goma-sur-les-programmes-de-la-radio-television-communautaire3.html |access-date=7 February 2024 |publisher=Université du CEPROMAD |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Mount Goma, an extinct volcano, lies at the public port of Goma. This hill was formed during ancient volcanic eruptions and marks the southeastern limit of the plain.<ref name=":4" />
[[File:Construction au bord du lac kivu à Goma.jpg|thumb|Construction on the banks of [[Lake Kivu]] in Goma]]
The vegetation in Goma is predominantly [[savanna]]h interspersed with [[Shrub|bushes]].<ref name=":4" /> The city's [[Aesthetics|aesthetic]] appeal is further enhanced by [[Artificial plants|artificial greenery]], including trees planted by landowners, which mitigates temperature fluctuations. Hydrographically, Goma benefits from its southern proximity to Lake Kivu and smaller lakes such as Green Lake in Mugunga and Black Lake in Buhimba to the west.<ref name=":4" />

=== Climate ===
[[Köppen-Geiger climate classification system]] classifies Goma's climate as a [[tropical savanna climate]] (''Aw'').<ref name="Climate-Data.org">{{Cite web |url=http://en.climate-data.org/location/1074/ |title=Climate: Goma – Climate graph, Temperature graph, Climate table |publisher=Climate-Data.org |access-date=4 November 2013}}</ref> Goma is much milder than most climates of its latitude due to the city's high altitude, and sees warm days and pleasant nights year-round.

{{Weather box
| location = Goma
| metric first = yes
| single line = yes
| Jan high C = 25.6
| Feb high C = 25.7
| Mar high C = 25.7
| Apr high C = 25.4
| May high C = 25.3
| Jun high C = 25.3
| Jul high C = 25.2
| Aug high C = 25.8
| Sep high C = 25.9
| Oct high C = 25.7
| Nov high C = 25.3
| Dec high C = 25.4
| Jan mean C = 20.0
| Feb mean C = 20.1
| Mar mean C = 20.1
| Apr mean C = 20.0
| May mean C = 19.9
| Jun mean C = 19.4
| Jul mean C = 19.7
| Aug mean C = 19.8
| Sep mean C = 19.8
| Oct mean C = 19.9
| Nov mean C = 19.7
| Dec mean C = 19.9
| Jan low C = 14.4
| Feb low C = 14.6
| Mar low C = 14.6
| Apr low C = 14.7
| May low C = 14.6
| Jun low C = 13.6
| Jul low C = 13.1
| Aug low C = 13.9
| Sep low C = 14.0
| Oct low C = 14.2
| Nov low C = 14.1
| Dec low C = 14.4
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 94
| Feb rain mm = 84
| Mar rain mm = 117
| Apr rain mm = 119
| May rain mm = 108
| Jun rain mm = 55
| Jul rain mm = 29
| Aug rain mm = 70
| Sep rain mm = 117
| Oct rain mm = 143
| Nov rain mm = 138
| Dec rain mm = 118
| Jan rain days = 16
| Feb rain days = 16
| Mar rain days = 19
| Apr rain days = 22
| May rain days = 18
| Jun rain days = 8
| Jul rain days = 6
| Aug rain days = 8
| Sep rain days = 15
| Oct rain days = 20
| Nov rain days = 22
| Dec rain days = 19
| Jand sun = 5
| Febd sun = 5
| Mard sun = 5
| Aprd sun = 5
| Mayd sun = 5
| Jund sun = 6
| Juld sun = 7
| Augd sun = 5
| Sepd sun = 5
| Octd sun = 5
| Novd sun = 5
| Decd sun = 5
| source 1 = ''Climate-Data.org'', altitude: {{convert|1531|m|ft|0|disp=or}}<ref name="Climate-Data.org"/>
| source 2 = ''Weather2Travel'' for rainy days and sunshine<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.weather2travel.com/climate-guides/congo-kinshasa/goma.php |title=Goma Climate and Weather Averages, Congo-Kinshasa |publisher=Weather2Travel |access-date=4 November 2013}}</ref>
}}

=== Administrative division ===
Goma spreads over an approximate area of {{cvt|75.72|km2}} and has an estimated population of nearly 2 million people according to the 2022 census.<ref name="Kakozi2022">{{Cite web |last1=Kakozi |first1=Willy Missumba |last2=Katembo |first2=Barry |last3=Mazirane |first3=Pierrot |last4=Lukusa |first4=Patricia Mishika |last5=Baluntu |first5=Edo |last6=Makombe |first6=Espe ́rance |last7=Bahire |first7=Claudine Munyatwari |last8=Murabazi |first8=Justin |last9=Mukuku |first9=Olivier |date=2022 |others=Others: Zacharie Kibendelwa Tsongo, Stanis Okitotsho Wembonyama |title=Determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices for COVID-19 infection in Goma, DRC |url=https://www.syncsci.com/journal/AHB/article/download/AHB.2023.01.001/750 |access-date=7 February 2024 |website=Syncsci.com}}</ref> In 1984, its population was estimated at 80,000.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DzhsDwAAQBAJ&dq=goma+population&pg=PT104 |title=Revue de l'urbanisation en République démocratique du Congo: Des villes productives et inclusives pour l'émergence de la République démocratique du Congo |date=2018 |publisher=World Bank Publications |isbn=978-1-4648-1206-4 |location=NW, Washington, D.C. |language=fr}}</ref> The city is administratively divided into two urban municipalities: [[Goma (commune)|Goma]] and [[Karisimbi (commune)|Karisimbi]], which are further subdivided into 18 [[Quarter (urban subdivision)|quarters]], colloquially recognized as "[[Neighbourhood|neighborhoods]]" in the English lexicon.<ref name=Kakozi2022/> This division was officially institutionalized through Ordinance Law No. 48-127 on 22 May 1989, which formalized the city's [[Communes of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|communes]] (municipalities) and ''quartiers'' (quarters).<ref name=":4" /> Each neighborhood is further subdivided into smaller administrative units, including avenues, cells, and a local governance model called Nyumba Kumi (ten houses).<ref name=":37">{{Cite web |last=Binyenye |first=Emmanuel Baguhe |title=Analyse de l'efficacité des actions de long mercy corps dans la ville de Goma-DRC |trans-title=Analysis of the effectiveness of long mercy corps actions in the city of Goma-DRC |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/19/10493/m_Analyse-de-l-efficacite-des-actions-de-long-mercy-corps-dans-la-ville-de-Goma-drc11.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur d'Informatique et de Gestion de Goma (ISIG-Goma) |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Introduced in 1997 by the [[AFDL|Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo]] (AFDL), the Nyumba Kumi system is akin to a similar administrative framework in Rwanda.<ref name=":37" /> The Nyumba Kumi structure is managed by appointed individuals under the authority of the neighborhood chief, who supervises ten households.<ref name=":37" />

The administrative leadership is centralized under a [[mayor]], who is assisted by a [[deputy mayor]]. The deputy mayor is responsible for overseeing the mayors of each commune, who, in turn, manage the neighborhood heads.<ref name=":37" /> While the communes and the city are decentralized entities with legal personality and administrative autonomy, the neighborhoods are categorized as administrative units without independent legal status or personality.<ref name=":37" />

{| class="wikitable"
!Communes (municipalities)
!''Quartiers'' (districts)
|-
|[[Goma (commune)|Goma]]
|Les Volcanoes, Mikeno, Mapendo, [[Katindo]], Himbi, Keshero, Lac Vert
|-
|[[Karisimbi (commune)|Karisimbi]]
|Kahembe, Katoyi, Majengo, Mabanga-Nord, Mabanga-Sud, Kasika, Murara, Virunga, [[Ndosho]], Mugunga, Bujovu
|}
In response to concerns related to population density, administrative adjustments were made that resulted in the creation of new ''quartiers''. For instance, Katoyi ''quartier'' was divided into Kasika and Katoyi ''quartiers'', while Mabanga ''quartier'' was divided into Mabanga North and Mabanga South ''quartiers''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Buchekabiri |first=E. C. |date=2013 |title=Analyse de la population de la ville de goma sur les programmes de la radio television communautaire Tayna Â« rtct Â» 2011–2012 |trans-title=Analysis of the population of the city of Goma on the programs of the community radio television Tayna “rtct” 2011–2012 |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/17/9500/m_Analyse-de-la-population-de-la-ville-de-goma-sur-les-programmes-de-la-radio-television-communautaire3.html |access-date=7 February 2024 |publisher=Université du CEPROMAD |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Parenthetically, the provincial authorities granted permission for the establishment of a new ''quartier'', Bujovu, within the [[Karisimbi (commune)|commune of Karisimbi]], comprising cells from the Majengo and Virunga ''quartiers'', namely Byahi and Tyazo cells.<ref name=":1" />

==History==
{{For timeline}}
The village of Ngoma was a port for lake traffic and a crossroads for the overland trade routes between [[Central Africa]] and the [[Indian Ocean]]. In 1894, the explorer [[Gustav Adolf von Götzen]], following the footsteps of an earlier missionary, was traveling to Rwanda from the eastern coast of Africa and passed through the village, which he recorded as Goma.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Charton |first=Edouard |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pIJQAQAAIAAJ |title=Le Tour du monde: nouveau journal des voyages |publisher=Hachette Livre |year=1892 |location=Paris, France |pages=14–16 |language=fr}}</ref><ref>Koen Vlassenroot, Timothy Raeymaekers, ''Conflict and Social Transformation in Eastern DR Congo'', Academia Press, USA, 2004, p. 105</ref> In 1906, officers of the [[Congo Free State]] established Goma post opposite [[Gisenyi]] as a military outpost to oversee [[Maritime transport|maritime]] activities on [[Lake Kivu]], which later transformed into a civil status office.<ref>{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TwjqTXt-n2EC |title=Revue des questions scientifiques |publisher=Société scientifique de Bruxelles |year=1914 |location=Brussels, Belgium |pages=336–337 |language=fr}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |last=Karumba |first=Janvier Bagula |date=2011 |title=De l'opportunité du développement du tourisme au nord Kivu. Cas de la ville de Goma |trans-title=The opportunity for tourism development in North Kivu. Case of the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/14/8505/De-l-opportunite-du-developpement-du-tourisme-au-nord-Kivu-Cas-de-la-ville-de-Goma.html |access-date=14 February 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Tourisme de Goma (ISTou-Goma) |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Around 1930, the Goma precinct accommodated camps for laborers of the Eastern Railway (CFE), initially sited along Lake Kivu's eastern shores.<ref name=":8" /> By the mid-20th century, Goma had become an essential hub, serving as the endpoint of the [[Société des Chemins de Fer Vicinaux du Congo|Vici Congo]] road network and a port for the [[transshipment]] of agricultural commodities and [[building material]]s to and from [[Bukavu]].<ref name=":8" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zihalirwa |first=Etienne Mushagalusa |date=2014 |title=Commercialisation des cartes prepayees par les revendeurs dans la ville de Goma: Cas de la commune de Goma |trans-title=Marketing of prepaid cards by resellers in the city of Goma: Case of the commune of Goma |url=https://www.africmemoire.com/part.4-chapitre-deuxieme-presentation-du-cadre-de-recherche-129.html |access-date=23 January 2025 |publisher=[[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]] |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> In 1945, Goma burgeoned into a state post under [[Rutshuru Territory]]'s jurisdiction, experiencing a rapid demographic upsurge with approximately 8,600 inhabitants.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jouannet |first=Francis |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7h5hSTWUHjwC |title=Le français au Rwanda: enquête lexicale |publisher=Peeters Publishers |year=1984 |isbn=978-2-85297-170-7 |pages=84 |language=fr}}</ref><ref name=":8" /> Goma's prominence as a city grew steadily, earning it the status of an extra-customary center that year.<ref name=":8" /> Educational infrastructure developed in tandem, with institutions such as the "École Royale" (now the Goma Institute or INSTIGO) and the École Primaire d'Application de l'institut de Goma (EPAIGO) catering to European settlers.<ref name=":43">{{Cite web |last=Babonangenda |first=Laetitia |date=2016 |title=Developpement du capital humain et croissance des petites et moyennes entreprises: cas de la ville de Goma de 2013–2015 |trans-title=Human capital development and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises: the case of the city of Goma from 2013–2015 |url=https://www.africmemoire.com/part.6-chapitre-deuxieme-le-secteur-des-pme-dans-la-ville-de-goma-122.html |access-date=22 January 2025 |publisher=[[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]] |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Meanwhile, the native population relied on the Saint André School, later renamed Keshero Primary School, for [[primary education]].<ref name=":43" /> 

The inception of urbanization in [[Belgian Congo]] was formalized with the promulgation of a decree on 21 February 1949, which instituted entities responsible for evaluating and issuing building permits, overseeing demolitions, modifying land plots, and making changes to the urban landscape.<ref name=":18">{{Cite web |last=John |first=Luendo Malira |date=September 2018 |title=Essai d'etude sur le reamenagement urbain de la ville de Goma |trans-title=Study essay on the urban redevelopment of the city of Goma |url=https://www.istougoma.ac.cd/pdf/publication/642ac6221e32a.pdf |access-date=4 October 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Tourisme de Goma (ISTOU-Goma) |pages=23–24 |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> In 1951, Goma was elevated to the territorial and capital level of North Kivu. This period also witnessed movements advocating for administrative separation between Goma and Rutshuru, leading to the establishment of deliberative and executive bodies in Kirotshe and later in [[Sake, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Sake]].<ref name=":8" />

The urban sprawl of Goma adhered to the archetypal colonial planning paradigm with the demarcation of separate neighborhoods for Europeans (''cité Européenne'') and indigenous Congolese (''cité indigène'').<ref name=":9">{{Cite web |last1=Hendriks |first1=Maarten |last2=Büscher |first2=Karen |date=September 2019 |title=Insecurity in Goma: Experiences, actors and responses |url=https://riftvalley.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Insecurity-in-Goma-by-Maarten-Hendriks-and-Karen-Buscher-RVI-Usalama-Project-2019.pdf |access-date=14 January 2024 |website=Riftvalley.net |publisher=[[Rift Valley Institute]] |page=14 |publication-place=Nairobi, Kenya}}</ref> The latter was limited to contemporary Birere, a densely populated neighborhood abutting the Rwandan border. Meanwhile, the neighborhoods allocated for European settlers were concentrated within the contemporary city center (''quartier les Volcans'') and an enclave of the Himbi neighborhood, which persists as the most urbanized, affluent, and wealthy parts of the city.<ref name=":9" />

On 25 December 1966, North Kivu regained its district status before becoming a region following the constitutional referendum of June 1967.<ref name=":8" /> By 10 July 1988, North Kivu attained its regional autonomy, promulgating its status as a sovereign entity within the [[Kivu|tripartite division of the Kivu region]] into provinces: [[North Kivu]], [[South Kivu]], and [[Maniema]].<ref name=":8" /> A decree issued on 14 September 1988, outlined critical urban development guidelines, such as construction alignments, the delineation of housing plans and communication routes, and the segregation of sustainable residential districts from native-dominated huts.<ref name=":18" /> This marked the onset of a segregationist urban paradigm, in which Congolese cities became characterized by a dichotomy between modern urban centers and native settlements, resulting in the coexistence of two disparate forms of urban development.<ref name=":18" /> As a result of Goma's burgeoning urbanization, the city was officially designated as the provincial capital of the newly established North Kivu Province under Ordinance Law No. 88-178, issued on 15 November 1988.<ref name=":18" />

===1994 Hutu refugee crisis===

The [[Rwandan genocide|1994 Rwandan genocide]] was executed by the interim Rwandan government against the [[Tutsi]] population and [[Hutu]] moderates. In response, the [[Rwandan Patriotic Front]] (RPF), formed by Tutsi refugees from Uganda, who already held control over significant portions of northern Rwanda after their invasion in 1990 and the ongoing [[Rwandan Civil War|Civil War]], overthrew the Hutu government in [[Kigali]], forcing them out.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wrong |first=Michela |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=S7_pDwAAQBAJ |title=Do Not Disturb: The Story of a Political Murder and an African Regime Gone Bad |date=2021-03-30 |publisher=PublicAffairs |isbn=978-1-61039-843-5 |location=New York City, New York, United States}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Tilly |first=Charles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LbGtAQAAQBAJ&dq=hutus+were+killed+by+RPF+IN+1994&pg=PT104 |title=The Politics of Collective Violence |date=2003-03-17 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-1-107-49480-0 |location=Cambridge, England, United Kingdom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bentrovato |first=Denise |date=2015-07-06 |title=Rwanda, Twenty Years On |url=https://journals.openedition.org/etudesafricaines/18095 |journal=Cahiers d'études africaines |language=fr |issue=218 |pages=231–254 |doi=10.4000/etudesafricaines.18095 |issn=0008-0055}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dizolele |first=Mvemba Phezo |date=2024-02-22 |title=The Dark Side of Rwanda's Rebirth |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/05/29/the-dark-side-of-rwandas-rebirth/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=Foreign Policy |publication-place=Washington, D.C., United States}}</ref> Over two million Hutus fled the country to Zaire and many Tutsis and Hutus were internally displaced within Rwanda.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Roper |first=Steven D. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IfhADwAAQBAJ&dq=hutus+were+killed+by+RPF+IN+1994&pg=PT32 |title=Designing Criminal Tribunals: Sovereignty and International Concerns in the Protection of Human Rights |date=2017-11-30 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-351-16010-0 |location=Thames, Oxfordshire United Kingdom}}</ref> Although Hutu extremists were responsible for the mass killing of Tutsis, scholars like Judi Rever and [[Filip Reyntjens]] argue that the main perpetrators of the slaughter were the Tutsi-dominated RPF, led by [[Paul Kagame]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rever |first=Judi |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i9LMDwAAQBAJ&q=In+Praise+of+Blood:+The+Crimes+of+the+Rwandan+Patriotic+Front |title=In Praise of Blood: The Crimes of the Rwandan Patriotic Front |date=18 February 2020 |publisher=[[Random House of Canada]] |isbn=978-0-345-81210-0 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Epstein |first=Helen |date=7 June 2018 |title=The Mass Murder We Don't Talk About |url=https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2018/06/07/rwanda-mass-murder-we-dont-talk-about/ |access-date=24 October 2024 |work=[[The New York Review of Books]] |language=en |publication-place=New York, New York, United States |volume=65 |issue=10 |issn=0028-7504}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 June 2018 |title=Debate: Judi Rever will not let anything stand in the way of her quest to document a second Rwandan genocide |url=https://msf-crash.org/en/publications/war-and-humanitarianism/debate-judi-rever-will-not-let-anything-stand-way-her-quest |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=Msf-crash.org |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Reyntjens |first=Filip |date=2004 |title=Rwanda, Ten Years on: From Genocide to Dictatorship |journal=African Affairs |volume=103 |issue=411 |pages=177–210 |doi=10.1093/afraf/adh045 |jstor=3518608 |issn=0001-9909|doi-access=free }}</ref> According to Judi Rever, Kagame personally commanded massacres at places like [[Byumba]] soccer stadium in northern Rwanda and ordered the pursuit of Hutus in the Zairean forests.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mass Murder at the Byumba Stadium – Hutu Genocide |url=https://www.hutugenocide.org/mass-murder-at-the-byumba-stadium/ |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=Hutugenocide.org |language=en-US}}</ref> They devised ways to dispose of large numbers of bodies by "dissolving them in acid, dumping them in rivers and swamps, or burning them, and established open air crematorium".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuzmarov |first=Jeremy |date=7 December 2018 |title=Exposing the Crimes of the CIAs Fair-Haired Boy, Paul Kagame, and the Rwandan Patriotic Front |url=https://www.counterpunch.org/2018/12/07/exposing-the-crimes-of-the-cias-fair-haired-boy-paul-kagame-and-the-rwandan-patriotic-front/ |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=CounterPunch.org |language=en-US}}</ref> Various UN missions attempted to establish safe zones and facilitate the movement of refugees. Between 13 June and 14 July 1994, an overwhelming number of refugees, ranging from 10,000 to 12,000 per day, fled across the border to Goma, resulting in a severe [[humanitarian crisis]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radionetherlandsarchives.org/healers-without-borders/|title=Healers without borders|date=February 15, 1995|website=radionetherlandsarchives.org}}</ref> as there was an acute lack of shelter, food and water. However, the Zairean government took it upon itself to garner attention for the situation. Shortly after the arrival of nearly one million [[refugee]]s,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.radionetherlandsarchives.org/the-long-wait-the-rwandan-refugees-in-zaire/|title=The long wait – the Rwandan refugees in Zaire|date=November 13, 1995|website=radionetherlandsarchives.org}}</ref> a deadly [[cholera]] outbreak swept through the Hutu refugee camps near Goma, claiming thousands of lives. RPF-aligned forces, which had fought in the conflict, crossed the border to Zaire and in acts of revenge also claimed several lives
[[File:Mihanda camp.jpg|thumb|Aerial photograph of the Mihanda refugee camp]]

=== First Congo War ===
{{Further information|First Congo War|Massacres of Hutus during the First Congo War}}

As early as mid-1996, infiltrated units from Rwanda began targeting [[Massacres of Hutus during the First Congo War|Hutu refugee camps]] along the [[Rutshuru]] road, even before formal hostilities began. On the evening of 27 June 1996, an infiltrated group allegedly carried out an attack on the Kibumba refugee camp, resulting in casualties among Hutu refugees, soldiers from the ''Contingent Zaïrois pour la sécurité des camps'' (CZSC), and [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]] personnel.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |date=15 June 2009 |title=Attacks against hutu refugees in camps on the Goma to Rutshuru road (North Kivu) |url=https://www.mapping-report.org/en/attacks-against-hutu-refugees-in-camps-on-the-goma-to-rutshuru-road-north-kivu/ |access-date=15 February 2024 |website=Mapping-report.org |publisher=[[DRC Mapping Exercise Report]] |publication-place=Geneva, Switzerland, New York City, United States}}</ref>

During the [[First Congo War]], from mid-October 1996, Rwandan infiltrations intensified, accompanied by sporadic attacks on refugee camps along the Goma to Rutshuru road by the newly formed [[AFDL|Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo]] (AFDL), a rebel movement led by [[Laurent-Désiré Kabila]], and [[Rwanda Defence Force|Rwandan Patriotic Army]] (RPA) led by [[Paul Kagame]], who aimed to overthrow [[Mobutu Sese Seko]]'s regime, accusing him of excluding Tutsis from governance and failing to stop the [[génocidaires]].<ref name=":10" /> However, the [[United Nations Security Council]] noted that both the RPA and AFDL pillaged Zaire's minerals for nearly two and a half decades and conducted massacres throughout the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rever |first=Judi |date=25 September 2023 |title=Rwanda is the 'Wild West' and should be removed from the mineral supply chain |url=https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/rwanda-is-the-wild-west-and-should-be-removed-from-the-mineral-supply-chain |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=[[Canadian Dimension]] |language=en |publication-place=Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 October 2002 |title=Letter dated 15 October 2002 from the Secretary-General addressed to the President of the Security Council |url=https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C-8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9%7D/DRC%20S%202002%201146.pdf |access-date=24 October 2024 |website=[[United Nations Security Council]] |publication-place=New York, New York, United States}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 2024 |title=Blood Minerals: The laundering of DRC's 3T minerals by Rwanda and private entities |url=https://amsterdamandpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2024.04.25-AP-DRC-Blood-Minerals.pdf |access-date=24 October 2024 |publisher=Amsterdam & Partners LLP |pages=25–51 |publication-place=London, England, United KIngdom}}</ref> The Kibumba camp, situated twenty-five kilometers north of Goma, was the first to fall under assault. On the night of 25–26 October 1996, AFDL and RPA soldiers bombarded the Kibumba camp, resulting in casualties among Hutu refugees and the destruction of the camp's hospital. Subsequently, approximately 194,000 refugees fled Kibumba towards the Mugunga camp.<ref name=":10" /> The Katale camp also faced attacks on the same night, but [[Forces Armées Zaïroises]] (FAZ)/CZSC soldiers and ex-FAR/[[Interahamwe]] units repelled the assailants initially.<ref name=":10" /> However, on 26 October 1996, AFDL and RPA forces attacked the Katale camp, resulting in numerous Hutu refugee casualties and the death of a Zairian soldier. They also allegedly killed several Hutu refugees using [[Edged and bladed weapons|bladed weapons]]. Following confrontations with FAZ soldiers and ex-FAR/Interahamwe units from the Katale camp, who offered reinforcement, AFDL and RPA forces seized control of the FAZ military camp at [[Rumangabo]].<ref name=":10" />

By 30 October, refugees from Katale and [[Katindo|Kahindo]] camps began to depart, with some heading towards [[Masisi]] via Tongo ''groupement'' of [[Bwito Chiefdom]], while others attempted to reach the Mugunga camp through the [[Virunga National Park]]. However, AFDL and RPA troops had blocked the road to Goma, complicating the refugees' escape routes. On 31 October 1996, AFDL and RPA soldiers allegedly massacred hundreds of Hutu refugees who remained in the Kahindo and Katale camps.<ref name=":10" /> [[:es:Roberto Garretón|Roberto Garretón]], the [[United Nations special rapporteur|Special Rapporteur]] on the violation of human rights in Zaire, estimated the casualties and highlighted the brutality inflicted on the refugees.<ref name=":10" />

In the aftermath of AFDL/RPA offensives in North Kivu, some refugees opted to return to Rwanda, though their numbers remained small. UNHCR reported approximately 900 Hutu refugees returning to Rwanda between 26 October and 31 October 1996. The reluctance of many refugees to return stemmed from both physical and psychological pressures, including fear of reprisals from AFDL/RPA soldiers.<ref name=":10" /> There were reports of AFDL/RPA soldiers killing refugees who expressed a desire to return to Rwanda.<ref name=":10" /> Determining the exact number of refugees killed by AFDL/RPA soldiers in attacks along the Goma to Rutshuru road was challenging. However, local NGOs involved in burial operations provided insights into the scale of the atrocities. The [[DRC Mapping Exercise Report|United Nations Mapping Report]] team documented numerous alleged incidents, including mass burials and killings in and around refugee camps between November 1996 and April 1997.<ref name=":10" /> The violence extended beyond the dismantling of refugee camps; Hutu survivors faced persecution while attempting to flee. In November 1996, AFDL/RPA soldiers reportedly targeted Hutu survivors from Kahindo and Katale camps, executing adult males.<ref name=":10" /> These survivors, along with others who resettled in makeshift camps, were subjected to further attacks in the Virunga National Park, resulting in additional casualties.<ref name=":10" /> The atrocities persisted for several months, with killings reported well into 1997. Witness testimonies highlighted the grim reality faced by refugees, with bodies discovered daily in former camp sites.<ref name=":10" /> On 11 April 1997, AFDL/RPA soldiers allegedly massacred hundreds of refugees near Kibumba village. These refugees, intercepted while attempting to return to Rwanda, were detained and subsequently killed by AFDL/RPA forces.<ref name=":10" />

By the end of 1997, AFDL rebels advanced to [[Kinshasa]], driving out Mobutu and leading to Laurent-Désiré Kabila proclaiming himself president on 17 May, renaming the country the [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (DRC).<ref name=":12">{{Cite book |last1=Usanov |first1=Artur |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=en5eBAAAQBAJ&dq=second+congo+war+Laurent+Kabila+refuse+to+share+power&pg=PA36 |title=Coltan, Congo and Conflict |last2=Ridder |first2=Marjolein de |last3=Auping |first3=Willem |last4=Lingemann |first4=Stephanie |last5=Espinoza |first5=Luis Tercero |last6=Ericsson |first6=Magnus |last7=Farooki |first7=Masuma |last8=Sievers |first8=Henrike |last9=Liedtke |first9=Maren |date=2013-06-05 |publisher=The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies |isbn=978-94-91040-81-8 |location=Hague, Netherlands |pages=36}}</ref>

=== Second Congo War ===
{{Further information|Second Congo War}}
Within a year of assuming power, [[Laurent-Désiré Kabila]] found himself in conflict with his former allies, and in 1998, the Rwandan government threw its support behind a Goma-based rebel movement known as the [[Rally for Congolese Democracy|Congolese Rally for Democracy]] (RCD), occasionally denoted as [[Rally for Congolese Democracy–Goma|RCD-Goma]].<ref name=":11">{{Cite book |last=Scherrer |first=Christian P. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RJLDEAAAQBAJ&dq=Rwanda+supports+RCD+against+Kabila&pg=PA266 |title=Genocide and Crisis in Central Africa: Conflict Roots, Mass Violence, and Regional War |date=2001-11-30 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA |isbn=978-0-313-01617-2 |pages=266}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Holmes |first=Georgina |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ShGMDwAAQBAJ |title=Women and War in Rwanda: Gender, Media and the Representation of Genocide |date=2013-10-25 |publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing |isbn=978-0-85772-317-8 |location=London, England, United Kingdom |pages=26}}</ref> The Goma refugee encampments, where Hutu refugees and Interahamwe militants had forged a militia known as the [[Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda|Democratic Force for the Liberation of Rwanda]] (FDLR), morphed into battlegrounds as Rwandan government forces and the RCD clashed with them to assert dominion.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ciment |first=James |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BpGXBwAAQBAJ&dq=Rwanda+supports+RCD+against+Kabila&pg=PA144 |title=Encyclopedia of Conflicts Since World War II |date=2015-03-27 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-47186-8 |location=Thames, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom |pages=144–146}}</ref><ref name=":11" />

On 2 August 1998, General Sylvain Buki announced via ''[[Radio-Télévision nationale congolaise|Radio-Télévision Nationale Congolaise]]'' (RTNC) in Goma that a rebellion had erupted within the [[Air Force of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese Armed Forces]] (FAC).<ref name=":13">{{Cite web |date=15 June 2009 |title=Second Congo War – Attacks on other civilian populations – North Kivu |url=https://www.mapping-report.org/en/second-congo-war-attacks-on-other-civilian-populations-north-kivu/ |access-date=15 February 2024 |website=Mapping-report.org |publisher=[[United Nations]] |publication-place=Geneva, Switzerland, New York City, United States}}</ref> The 10th Brigade of the FAC mutinied, leading to the swift capture of Goma by the RCD and Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA), with minimal resistance. Goma remained beyond the reach of the Kinshasa government's forces for nearly three years, save for [[Barrage (artillery)|sporadic barrage]].<ref name=":13" /> Amidst these conflicts, the RCD's bias towards the local Tutsi community, Rwandan interference in provincial affairs, and the brutality of RCD and RPA troops towards civilians in North Kivu prompted many locals to join [[Mai-Mai|Mayi–Mayi]] armed groups to defend their communities. The Mayi–Mayi militias utilized forested areas and national parks as bases for launching attacks against RCD and RPA forces.<ref name=":13" />

With support from Kinshasa, the Mayi–Mayi and [[Army for the Liberation of Rwanda|ALiR]] intensified ambushes and pillaging against RCD/RPA soldiers and civilian populations. Consequently, RCD/RPA control was limited to certain urban areas. In response, they increased search operations in various regions.<ref name=":13" /> The [[Second Congo War]] was unprecedented in Africa for the loss of civilian life in massacres and atrocities. By 2003, the Rwandan [[Banyamulenge]]-supported insurgent factions wearied of the conflict, and discord surfaced between them and Rwanda. In 2002 and 2003, a tenuous [[Pretoria Accord|negotiated peace]] ensued among the myriad factions embroiled in the conflict.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 23, 2002 |title=Peace Agreements Digital Collection |url=https://www.usip.org/sites/default/files/file/resources/collections/peace_agreements/drc_rwanda_pa07302002.pdf |access-date=2024-02-16 |website=[[United States Institute of Peace]] |publisher=United States Institute of Peace |publication-place=Washington, D.C., United States}}{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Aktas |first1=Tufan |last2=Kavak |first2=Gokhan |date=February 3, 2023 |title=Rwanda, Congo drifting toward war again as rebels surge anew |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/rwanda-congo-drifting-toward-war-again-as-rebels-surge-anew/2805426 |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=www.aa.com.tr}}</ref>

===Ongoing conflict, 2002-present===
[[File:La città di Goma e il lago Kivu (RD Congo).JPG|thumb|right|Aerial view of Goma in October 2010]]
Since the conclusion of the Second Congo War, Goma has been plagued by conflict despite the peace agreements of 2002. In 2006, it became a focal point for the [[Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]'s 81st and 83rd Brigades, who remained faithful to Congolese Tutsi military defector [[Laurent Nkunda]], who accused the government of neglecting to assimilate his military faction into the national army and failing to safeguard their interests.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-05 |title=Goma: vers le mixage entre FARDC et éléments de Laurent Nkunda |trans-title=Goma: towards the mix between FARDC and elements of Laurent Nkunda |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/01/05/goma-vers-le-mixage-entre-fardc-et-elements-de-laurent-nkunda |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-01-20 |title=Nord-Kivu : début de mixage des troupes de Nkunda et des FARDC |trans-title=North Kivu: start of mixing of Nkunda and FARDC troops |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/01/20/nord-kivu-debut-de-mixage-des-troupes-de-nkunda-et-des-fardc |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Numerous heinous crimes were committed by Nkunda during his reign of terror. In 2002, he sanctioned the massacre of over 150 people in [[Kisangani]].<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=2006-02-02 |title=Human Rights Watch demande l'arrestation de Laurent Nkunda |trans-title=Human Rights Watch calls for the arrest of Laurent Nkunda |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2006/02/02/human-rights-watch-demande-l%25e2%2580%2599arrestation-de-laurent-nkunda |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> In [[Bukavu]] in 2004, his insurgent affiliates, in conjunction with Colonel [[Jules Mutebutsi]], executed widespread atrocities, including sexual violence and arbitrary detentions, predominantly targeting young girls.<ref name=":14" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-02-28 |title=Sud-Kivu : 6 officiers FARDC refoulés de Bukavu |trans-title=South Kivu: 6 FARDC officers pushed back from Bukavu |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/02/28/sud-kivu-6-officiers-fardc-refoules-de-bukavu |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]] clamored for Nkunda's arrest in February 2006,<ref name=":14" /> but it wasn't until June of that year that his military faction made significant territorial gains, capturing localities like [[Bunagana, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Bunagana]], located 80&nbsp;km from Goma.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |date=6 December 2006 |title=Nord-Kivu : les Fardc reprennent deux des trois localités occupées par Laurent Nkunda |trans-title=North Kivu: the Fardc retake two of the three localities occupied by Laurent Nkunda |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2006/12/06/nord-kivu-les-fardc-reprennent-deux-des-trois-localits-occupes-par-laurent-nkunda |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>
[[File:15 novembre 2014. Goma, Nord-Kivu, RD Congo. Une vue aérienne de la ville de Goma. (16927160596).jpg|thumb|left|View of houses in Goma, 2014]]
Despite intermittent losses and counteroffensives by FARDC's 9th Integrated Brigade,<ref name=":15" /> Nkunda's forces maintained control over certain areas like Bunagana and Runyoni. By November 2006, reports cited three fatalities and 41 injuries, among them civilians,<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 November 2006 |title=Affrontements de Sake, près de Goma : 3 morts et plus de 40 blessés |trans-title=Clashes in Sake, near Goma: 3 dead and more than 40 injured |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2006/11/26/affrontements-de-sake-prs-de-goma-3-morts-et-plus-de-40-blesss |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> and by December, the violence had displaced over 80,000 people, many of whom sought refuge on the outskirts of Goma.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2006 |title=Nord-Kivu: plus de 80 000 déplacés de guerre |trans-title=North Kivu: more than 80,000 war displaced |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2006/12/20/nord-kivu-plus-de-80-000-dplacs-de-guerre |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> The conflict escalated further in early 2007, with Goma's healthcare organization, Groupe d'Entraide et de Solidarité Médicale (GESOM), treating an average of three rape survivors daily from both urban and rural sectors.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 February 2007 |title=Prise en charge des femmes victimes de viols à Goma |trans-title=Support for women victims of rape in Goma |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/emissions-2/2007/02/02/prise-en-charge-des-femmes-victimes-de-viols-a-goma |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> On 17 May, FARDC arrested 14 Rwandan nationals, including members of Nkunda's brigade, as [[MONUSCO]] noted that his militia in North Kivu was wearing distinctive Rwandan military uniforms.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 June 2007 |title=Goma: 14 Rwandais aux arrêts |trans-title=Goma: 14 Rwandans arrested |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/06/03/goma-14-rwandais-aux-arrets |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Later in May, the French Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bernard Prévost, visited the Mugunga displacement camp near [[Sake, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Sake]] and announced that [[France]] would allocate over [[Euro sign|€]]2.6 million to the [[World Food Programme]] to support displaced persons in the eastern DRC.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 May 2007 |title=Goma: la France promet 2 millions d'euros pour les déplacés de guerre |trans-title=Goma: France promises 2 million euros for war displaced persons |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/actualite/2007/05/31/goma-la-france-promet-2-millions-d%25e2%2580%2599euros-pour-les-deplaces-de-guerre |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> In June 2007, [[William L. Swing|William Lacy Swing]], Director General of the [[International Organization for Migration]], expressed profound concern about the escalating conflict, citing rising insecurity, ethnic discord, the swelling numbers of internally displaced persons, and an increase in human rights abuses in North Kivu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 June 2007 |title=De Goma, William Swing appelle les troupes mixées à aller au brassage |trans-title=From Goma, William Swing calls on the mixed troops to go to the brewing |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/06/28/de-goma-william-swing-appelle-les-troupes-mixees-a-aller-au-brassage |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> Toward the end of June, Rwandan combatants launched a deadly assault on Lake Kivu, resulting in the deaths of four people, including three fishermen and a [[Navy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Congolese naval]] officer.<ref name=":26">{{Cite web |date=19 July 2007 |title=Goma: un bandit rwandais tué sur le lac Kivu |trans-title=Goma: Rwandan bandit killed on Lake Kivu |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/07/19/goma-un-bandit-rwandais-tue-sur-le-lac-kivu |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> The attackers also looted valuable fishing equipment and an [[outboard motor]]. Initial negotiations with Rwandan officials regarding cross-border security on Lake Kivu ultimately facilitated the partial recovery of the stolen fishing assets in Rwanda.<ref name=":26" />
[[File:Displaced people set camp in Goma outskirts (7703457692).jpg|thumb|Displaced residents from the Kibumba-[[Rutshuru]] axis, fleeing clashes between Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and advancing [[March 23 Movement]] rebels, set up camp in Kanyaruchinya, 4 km north of Goma]]
On 6 September, MONUSCO brokered a ceasefire between the FARDC and forces loyal to Laurent Nkunda.<ref name=":27">{{Cite web |date=7 September 2007 |title=Sake: le cessez-le-feu respecté |trans-title=Sake: the ceasefire respected |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/09/07/sake-le-cessez-le-feu-respecte |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> However, the following day saw renewed clashes, with most of the population from Goma's surrounding regions seeking shelter in the Mugunga, Lac-Vert, and Ndosho neighborhoods, as well as Goma Centre, fearing further confrontations between the FARDC and Nkunda's forces.<ref name=":27" /> Fighting between Nkunda's forces and the [[Mai-Mai]] community-based militia, Congolese Patriotic Resistance (PARECO), which claimed to protect its community from Nkunda's forces, led to the deaths of 5 people in Bitonga in southern Masisi Territory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 September 2007 |title=Encore des affrontements à Masisi |trans-title=More clashes in Masisi |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/09/13/encore-des-affrontements-a-masisi |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> Nine deceased people were subsequently uncovered in three separate [[mass grave]]s within Rubare, approximately 12&nbsp;km from [[Rutshuru]], north of Goma.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2007 |title=Rubare: encore 9 corps découverts dans des fosses communes |trans-title=Rubare: 9 more bodies discovered in mass graves |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/09/18/rubare-encore-9-corps-decouverts-dans-des-fosses-communes |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> Two other bodies were discovered in the administrative support post of Kisharo's office, around 20 kilometers from Kiwanja, along the route to Nyamilima and Shasha, within Rutshuru Territory.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 September 2007 |title=Kisharo: 2 corps retrouvés dans le bureau du chef de poste |trans-title=Kisharo: 2 bodies found in the station chief's office |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2007/09/18/kisharo-2-corps-retrouves-dans-le-bureau-du-chef-de-poste |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> On 27 October 2008, the [[2008 Nord-Kivu campaign|Battle of Goma]] broke out in the city between the Congolese army, supported by MONUSCO, and Nkunda's [[National Congress for the Defence of the People|CNDP]] rebels; 200,000 refugees fled the town.<ref name="CNNuproot">{{cite news |date=27 October 2008 |title=U.N. says recent Congo fighting uproots 200,000 |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/24/Congo.displaced.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029213801/http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/africa/10/24/Congo.displaced.ap/index.html?iref=newssearch |archive-date=October 29, 2008 |access-date=28 October 2008 |publisher=[[CNN]]}}</ref>

On 3 November 2012 there was a [[2012 Congolese–Rwandan border clash|clash between Congolese and Rwandan troops]] on the border just north of Goma. Goma was later seized by the [[M23 rebellion (2012–2013)|M23 Movement]] on 20 November 2012.<ref name="Callimachi">[https://web.archive.org/web/20121221033507/http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2012-11-20/congolese-rebels-penetrate-goma-take-airport "Congolese rebels seize Goma, take airport."] Melanie Goubyrukmini Callimachi, ''Bloomberg BusinessWeek'', November 20, 2012. Retrieved 20 November 2012.</ref> During the M23's brief rule, the city endured ten days of chaos, marked by looting and executions, bringing economic activities to a standstill and forcing residents into seclusion.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Hendriks |first1=Maarten |last2=Büscher |first2=Karen |date=August 2019 |title=Insecurity in Goma: Experiences, actors and responses |url=https://riftvalley.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Insecurity-in-Goma-by-Maarten-Hendriks-and-Karen-Buscher-RVI-Usalama-Project-2019.pdf |access-date=21 February 2024 |website=Riftvalley.net |publisher=Rift Valley Institute |page=17 |publication-place=Nairobi, Kenya}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Congo Violence: Tens of Thousands of Civilians Flee Goma |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/11/23/congo-violence-goma_n_2177612.html|access-date=23 November 2012|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=2012 |author=Pete Jones |author2=Jerome Delay}}</ref>

On 22 February 2021, the [[List of ambassadors of Italy to the Democratic Republic of the Congo|Italian ambassador]], [[Luca Attanasio]], was killed in an apparent kidnapping attempt near [[Virunga National Park]]. He was part of the U.N.'s [[World Food Programme]] (WFP). Two others were also killed.

As of March 2022, the clashes between the FARDC, the M23, and various armed groups in North Kivu have displaced over one million people. Among them, more than 600,000 have fled to overcrowded and unsanitary camps on the fringes of Goma.<ref name=":23">{{Cite web |date=June 21, 2023 |title=RDC : MSF demande une augmentation rapide et concrète de l'aide humanitaire face à une crise d'ampleur historique au Nord-Kivu |trans-title=DRC: MSF calls for a rapid and concrete increase in humanitarian aid in the face of a crisis of historic proportions in North Kivu |url=https://www.msf.fr/communiques-presse/rdc-msf-demande-une-augmentation-rapide-et-concrete-de-l-aide-humanitaire-face-a-une-crise-d-ampleur-historique-au-nord-kivu |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=www.msf.fr |language=fr |publication-place=Paris, France}}</ref> [[Gender-related violence|Gender-based violence]] has also soared in the region, resulting in the prevalence of a pervasive culture of impunity. Between 17–30 April 2023, [[Médecins Sans Frontières]] (MSF) teams treated 674 victims of sexual violence in camps like Bulengo, Lushagala, and Rusayo, with 360 cases reported solely from the latter, a recently established and densely inhabited settlement situated to the west of Goma.<ref name=":23" /> The vast majority of these victims were attacked while venturing outside the displaced sites in search of basic necessities like [[firewood]] and [[sustenance]].<ref name=":23" /> Banks do not supply cash since M23 occupation.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Rebels took eastern Congo's largest city. Now they must run it. |url=https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2025/0430/congo-m23-rwanda-goma-peace-deal |access-date=2025-05-17 |work=Christian Science Monitor |issn=0882-7729}}</ref>

The M23's offensive in early February 2024 around [[Sake, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Sake]], roughly twenty kilometers from Goma, exposed civilians to heavy fighting and forced more displacement towards Goma and previously settled sites or with host families on the Sake-[[Bweremana]] axis towards the province from [[South Kivu]] in the [[Kalehe Territory]].<ref name=":24">{{Cite web |date=2024-03-01 |title=Évaluation Rapide de Crise M23: Rapport 15, Province du Nord Kivu, 1 mars 2024 – Democratic Republic of the Congo |trans-title=M23 Rapid Crisis Assessment: Report 15, North Kivu Province, March 1, 2024 |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/evaluation-rapide-de-crise-m23-rapport-15-province-du-nord-kivu-1-mars-2024 |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=reliefweb.int |publication-place=New York City, New York, United States}}</ref> This influx of displaced people strains already limited resources and infrastructure, making it increasingly challenging to meet the needs of affected communities. Some regional initiatives have addressed the crisis, with the deployment of [[Southern African Development Community]] (SADC) forces and summits between heads of state to relaunch the [[peace process]] and secure a [[ceasefire]] in the region.<ref name=":24" />

On 12 February, South Africa announced it would send 2,900 troops as part of its contribution to the SADC force deployed to tackle armed groups in the eastern DRC.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Felix |first=Bate |date=February 12, 2024 |editor-last=Choy |editor-first=Marguerita |title=South Africa to deploy 2,900 troops to fight armed groups in eastern Congo |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-africa-deploy-2900-troops-fight-armed-groups-eastern-congo-2024-02-12/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |work=Reuters.com |publication-place=London, England}}</ref> On 15 February, two South African soldiers were killed and three wounded by a [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar bomb]] launched by M23 rebels.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peyton |first=Nellie |date=February 15, 2024 |editor-last=Russell |editor-first=Ros |others=(ed.). Oatis, Jonathan |title=South African military: 2 soldiers killed, 3 wounded on Congo mission |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-african-military-2-soldiers-killed-3-wounded-congo-mission-2024-02-15/ |access-date=2024-03-02 |work=Reuters.com |location=London, England}}</ref> The road to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges, including the need for direct dialogue between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda.<ref name=":24" />

As of January 2025, the city is once again the target [[2025 Goma offensive|of a renewed M23 offensive]], which resulted in multiple casualties, injuries, looting, destruction of property, and mass displacement.<ref>{{cite news |title=Leader of Congo's rebel alliance says they have taken Goma |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/un-peacekeeper-death-toll-eastern-congo-rises-six-2025-01-26/?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=twitter |work=Reuters |date=26 January 2025 |access-date=28 January 2025}}</ref> Nearly 3,000 people were killed in the fighting in Goma.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nearly 3,000 people killed after rebels seize key city in DR Congo, UN says |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/06/africa/dr-congo-goma-violence-deaths-intl-hnk/index.html |work=CNN |date=6 February 2025}}</ref> On 27 January 2025, more than 4,000 prisoners escaped from Muzenze prison.<ref>{{cite news |title=More than 150 female inmates raped and burned to death during Goma jailbreak in DRC, UN says |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/06/africa/female-inmates-raped-killed-goma-jailbreak-intl/index.html |work=CNN |date=7 February 2025}}</ref> It was reported that hundreds of female inmates were raped and burned alive during the mass jailbreak from Goma's prison.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bastmeijer |first1=Joost |last2=Townsend |first2=Mark |last3=Houttuin |first3=Saskia |date=2025-02-05 |title=Hundreds of women raped and burned to death after Goma prison set on fire |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/05/democratic-republic-congo-goma-women-raped-burned-death-prison-m23-rebels-rwanda |access-date=2025-02-05 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> 

=== Sexual violence ===
{{Further information|Sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo}}
[[File:MONUSCO at the Universiy of Goma- 52096696789.jpg|thumb|[[Sexual violence]] awareness-raising event at the Salomon Campus of the [[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]]]]
Goma has been heavily affected by [[sexual violence]], which is deeply intertwined with the ongoing regional conflicts, economic instability, and social challenges that have marked the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo for decades.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 August 2024 |title=En RDC, une jeune femme sur dix victime de viol durant les cinq derniers mois dans les camps de déplacés de Goma |trans-title=In the DRC, one in ten young women has been raped in the last five months in the displaced persons camps in Goma |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2024/08/06/en-rdc-une-jeune-femme-sur-dix-victime-de-viol-durant-les-cinq-derniers-mois-dans-les-camps-de-deplaces-de-goma_6270470_3212.html |access-date=26 October 2024 |work=Le Monde |location=Paris, France |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Blanchard |first=Sandrine |date=1 October 2024 |title=Une femme sur dix est victime de viol dans l'est de la RDC |trans-title=One in ten women are victims of rape in eastern DRC |url=https://www.dw.com/fr/rdc-violences-sexuelles-d%C3%A9plac%C3%A9s-camps-goma-appel-msf/a-70378591 |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=[[DW News]] |language=fr |publication-place=Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 August 2024 |title=Violences sexuelles en RDC: 10% des femmes déplacées dans les camps de Goma déclarent avoir été violées |trans-title=Sexual violence in the DRC: 10% of displaced women in Goma camps report having been raped |url=https://actualite.cd/2024/08/06/violences-sexuelles-en-rdc-10-des-femmes-deplacees-dans-les-camps-de-goma-declarent |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=[[Actualite.cd]] |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Armed groups, local militias, and, at times, even some members of state forces have been implicated in sexual violence against civilians.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last1=Kiakuvue |first1=Yannick Nkiambi |last2=Kanyere |first2=Furaha Siwatula |last3=Mukubu |first3=Doris Mwila |last4=Ruhindiza |first4=Bienvenu Mukuku |last5=Mukuku |first5=Olivier |date=27 June 2024 |title=Sexual violence among female survivors in Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo: epidemiology, clinical features, and circumstances of occurrence |journal=Scientific Reports |language=en |volume=14 |issue=1 |pages=14863 |doi=10.1038/s41598-024-65412-7 |pmid=38937549 |issn=2045-2322|pmc=11211468 |bibcode=2024NatSR..1414863K }}</ref> Such violations are often weaponized as a deliberate tool of war to terrorize communities, assert control, and break down social cohesion.<ref name=":2" /> Survivors often face physical [[Injury|injuries]], [[sexually transmitted infection]]s, [[psychological trauma]], and [[social stigma]]. A study from 2007 revealed that around 1.69–1.80 million women aged 15–29 in the DRC reported experiencing [[sexual assault]] at some point in their lives, with North Kivu recording 223,262 cases, the highest rate nationally.<ref name=":2" /> Further research in 2010 indicated that 39.7% of women in North and South Kivu had experienced sexual violence.<ref name=":2" /> In 2023, [[Médecins Sans Frontières]] (MSF) reported a sharp increase in sexual violence cases in the DRC, mainly concentrated in and around Goma. MSF treated 25,166 survivors nationwide, averaging more than two patients per hour.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2024 |title=MSF reports unprecedented number of sexual violence cases in DR Congo |url=https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/msf-reports-unprecedented-number-sexual-violence-cases-dr-congo#:~:text=The%20report%20outlines%20that,in%20admissions.&text=than%20two%20patients%20every,in%20admissions.&text=projects%20set%20up%20by,in%20admissions.&text=In%20the%20three%20preceding,in%20admissions |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=[[Médecins Sans Frontières]] |language=en}}</ref> In the first five months of 2024 alone, MSF treated 17,363 survivors in North Kivu, representing 69% of the total cases treated across five provinces in the previous year.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 September 2024 |title=MSF reports unprecedented number of sexual violence cases in DR Congo |url=https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/msf-reports-unprecedented-number-sexual-violence-cases-dr-congo#:~:text=This%20trend%20accelerated%20in,provinces%20studied.&text=province%20alone,%2017,363%20victims,provinces%20studied.&text=and%20May.%20Not%20even,provinces%20studied.&text=percent%20of%20the%20total,provinces%20studied |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=[[Médecins Sans Frontières]] |language=en}}</ref>

==== Medical literature, demographics, and medical treatment ====
[[File:UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region visit in Goma (8695464935).jpg|left|thumb|[[Mary Robinson]], [[Special Envoy of the Secretary-General|United Nation Special Envoy]] for the [[African Great Lakes|African Great Lake Region]], meets with victims of sexual violence at Heal Africa's hospital in Goma]]
Despite substantial media coverage, sexual violence within the DRC remains insufficiently addressed in [[medical literature]]. A study conducted in Goma from 2013 to 2017 revealed that sexual violence disproportionately affected females below 18 years, with an average age of 16.5 years.<ref name=":2" /> Half of the perpetrators were known to the survivors; 12% of survivors tested positive for pregnancy, and 43% received [[emergency contraception]].<ref name=":2" />

In a separate study covering January 2019 to December 2020, [[Karisimbi (commune)|Karisimbi]] municipality in Goma reported 551 cases of sexual violence, while the [[Goma (commune)|Goma]] municipality recorded 149 cases.<ref name=":2" /> The Majengo neighborhood in Karisimbi reported the highest frequency, with 129 cases.<ref name=":2" /> Among the survivors, women aged 20–29 represented 28.6%, with only 15.7% reporting incidents occurring within their homes, and 60.7% of incidents involved the use of weapons.<ref name=":2" /> [[Vaginal trauma|Vaginal assault]] occurred in all cases, and other forms of assault, like touching, occurred in 7.2% of cases. Strangers constituted 64.7% of the perpetrators, and 61.4% of assailants were identified as members of military or police forces.<ref name=":2" /> Among survivors, 8.1% had a [[physical disability]]. Of the 700 survivors, only 16.1% sought [[Doctor's visit|medical consultation]] for [[Genital trauma|genital injuries]], and 0.7% presented with [[Muteness|mutism]].<ref name=":2" /> Approximately 60.6% sought [[Health care|medical care]] within 72 hours, with 8.1% testing positive for [[HIV]].<ref name=":2" /> Of the survivors, 76.3% underwent [[pregnancy test]]s, 6.4% of which were positive. Additionally, 55.4% of survivors received [[Birth control|contraception]], and 91.1% were offered [[Post-exposure prophylaxis|post-exposure prophylactic]] treatment for HIV.<ref name=":2" />

=== Internally displaced populations ===
{{Multiple image |image1=Rwandan refugee camp in east Zaire.jpg |caption1=Refugee camp for displaced Rwandans in Kimbumba, 20 km from Goma, Zaire, following the 1994 [[Rwandan genocide]] |image2=Kibumba refugee camp at Goma, 6506675, 330-CFD-DF-ST-99-05606.jpg |caption2=Kibumba refugee camp in Goma on August 3, 1994. Approximately 1.2 million Rwandan refugees fled to Zaire following the outbreak of the [[Rwandan Civil War]]. |image3=1994 refugee camp near Goma 22 August DF-ST-98-00484.jpeg |caption3=Refugee camp near Goma, Zaire, 1994, providing shelter to those fleeing the Rwandan Civil War. |total_width=200 |perrow=1}}
For over three decades, Goma has served as a major site for [[internally displaced person]]s (IDPs), predominantly due to the recurrent waves of violence and humanitarian emergencies besieging the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjacent regions.<ref name=":28">{{Cite news |last1=Bashizi |first1=Arlette |last2=Kitsa |first2=Fidèle |date=4 April 2024 |title=Crowded camps and local aid: How DR Congo's M23 conflict is impacting Goma |url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2024/04/04/crowded-camps-and-local-aid-how-dr-congos-m23-conflict-impacting-goma |access-date=13 November 2024 |work=[[The New Humanitarian]] |location=Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Living Conditions of displaced persons and host communities in urban Goma, DRC |url=https://www.nrc.no/globalassets/pdf/reports/living-conditions-of-displaced-persons-and-host-communities-in-urban-goma-drc.pdf |website=[[Norwegian Refugee Council]] |page=6 |publication-place=Oslo, Norway}}</ref> The displacement crisis commenced in the aftermath of the 1994 [[Rwandan genocide]], during which approximately 1.2 million refugees,<ref>{{Cite web |title=10The Rwandan genocide and its aftermath |url=https://www.unhcr.org/sites/default/files/legacy-pdf/3ebf9bb60.pdf |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]] |page=2 (246) |publication-place=Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland}}</ref> predominantly Hutus, entered eastern Congo, with between 500,000 and 850,000 people arriving in Goma over a span of five days in mid-July 1994.<ref name=":29">{{Citation |last1=Migration |first1=National Research Council (US) Roundtable on the Demography of Forced |title=The Evolution of Mortality Among Rwandan Refugees in Zaire Between 1994 and 1997 |date=2001 |work=Forced Migration & Mortality |url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223348/ |access-date=13 November 2024 |publisher=National Academies Press (US) |language=en |last2=Reed |first2=Holly E. |last3=Keely |first3=Charles B.}}</ref> This mass migration was one of the largest cross-border movements in recent history, with many refugees establishing makeshift camps around Goma.<ref name=":29" />

The late 1990s witnessed a surge in the IDP crisis amidst the First and Second Congo Wars, with hundreds of thousands fleeing escalating rural violence and relocating to Goma and its environs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 October 2020 |title=The DR Congo Crisis: many tragedies combined |url=https://www.worldvision.ca/stories/dr-congo-crisis-facts-and-how-to-help |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=Worldvision.ca |language=en-CA}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 October 2024 |title=Why is the Democratic Republic of Congo wracked by conflict? |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/campaigns/2024/10/why-is-the-democratic-republic-of-congo-wracked-by-conflict/ |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[Amnesty International]] |language=en |publication-place=London, England, United Kingdom}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=31 December 2000 |title=Democratic Republic of Congo Update Dec 2000 – Democratic Republic of the Congo |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/democratic-republic-congo-update-dec-2000 |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[ReliefWeb]] |language=en |publication-place=New York, New York, United States}}</ref> By December 2006, estimates suggested at least 80,000 IDPs resided within and around the city,<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2007 |title=Situation sécuritaire toujours préoccupante au Nord Kivu |trans-title=Security situation still worrying in North Kivu |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/emissions-2/dialogue-entre-congolais/2007/09/12/situation-securitaire-toujours-preoccupante-au-nord-kivu |access-date=8 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> a figure that escalated to roughly 640,000 by September 2007 in camps dispersed across North Kivu.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 September 2007 |title=Situation sécuritaire toujours préoccupante au Nord Kivu |trans-title=Security situation still worrying in North Kivu |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/emissions-2/dialogue-entre-congolais/2007/09/12/situation-securitaire-toujours-preoccupante-au-nord-kivu |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref> Another spike in displacement transpired between 2012 and 2013, correlating with the emergence of M23. During this period, more than 500,000 people sought refuge in Goma.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Beytrison |first1=Fran |last2=Kalis |first2=Olivia |date=May 2023 |title=Repeated displacement in eastern DRC |url=https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:bc0fa2ef-e96b-4e42-a1dd-8f5dfb847ac0/download_file?file_format=pdf&safe_filename=beytrison-kalis%2B-%2BEnglish.pdf&type_of_work=Journal+article |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=Ora.ox.ac.uk |page=1}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=29 April 2013 |title=Global Overview 2012: People internally displaced by conflict and violence – Democratic Republic of the Congo |url=https://www.refworld.org/reference/annualreport/idmc/2013/en/34734 |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=RefWorld |language=en}}</ref> From 2020 to 2022, intensifying conflicts in North Kivu led to the displacement of approximately 1.5 million people throughout the province, with a significant contingent finding asylum in Goma.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2023 |title=UNICEF: DR-Congo Humanitarian |url=https://www.unicef.org/media/151311/file/DR-Congo-Humanitarian-SitRep-(L3-Emergency-Scale-Up),-31-December-2023.pdf |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=Unicef.org |publisher=[[UNICEF]] |page=1 |publication-place=New York, New York, United States}}</ref>

As of 13 February 2024, Goma hosts an estimated 1.7 million IDPs due to renewed conflicts between the Congolese military and various insurgent groups,<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2024 |title=Humanitarian emergency in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu (DRC): A worsening crisis in 2024 – Democratic Republic of the Congo |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/humanitarian-emergency-ituri-north-kivu-and-south-kivu-drc-worsening-crisis-2024#:~:text=Approximately%201.7%20million%20people%20are,in%20Goma,%20the%20provincial%20capital. |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[ReliefWeb]] |language=en |publication-place=New York, New York, United States}}</ref> including M23, with over 700,000 new arrivals recorded in late 2022 and early 2023 alone.<ref name=":28" />

==== Cholera, dysentery outbreaks, and malnutrition ====
[[File:Kibativillagers.jpg|thumb|Kibati villagers fleeing gunfire in a camp for internally displaced persons during the [[2008 Nord-Kivu war]]]]
The initial influx of refugees in July 1994 saw an immediate health emergency, as overcrowded camps lacked [[Water pollution|clean water]], [[sanitation]], and hygiene facilities. The first case of cholera was diagnosed on 20 July 1994, leading to a major outbreak within the camps that saw an estimated 58,000 to 80,000 cases in less than a month.<ref name=":29" /> Concurrently, an outbreak of bloody [[diarrhea]] caused by ''[[Shigella dysenteriae]]'' type 1 emerged in early August, persisting in the camps until November. These outbreaks contributed to unprecedented mortality rates during the first month of the emergency, with an estimated 50,000 deaths recorded between mid-July and mid-August.<ref name=":29" />

The influx also led to severe [[food security|food insecurity]] among IDPs, resulting in widespread malnutrition, particularly affecting children. Goma's already fragile health infrastructure struggled to meet these needs, as ongoing conflict limited resources and disrupted supply chains.<ref name=":30">{{Cite journal |date=11 February 1995 |title=Public health impact of Rwandan refugee crisis: what happened in Goma, Zaire, in July, 1994? Goma Epidemiology Group |journal=Lancet |volume=345 |issue=8946 |pages=339–344 |doi=10.1016/S0140-6736(95)90338-0 |issn=0140-6736 |pmid=7646638}}</ref><ref name=":31">{{Cite web |last1=Dowell |first1=Scott F. |last2=Toko |first2=Alphonse |last3=Sita |first3=Claire |last4=Piarroux |first4=Renaud |last5=Duerr |first5=Ann |last6=Woodruff |first6=Bradley A. |date=14 June 1995 |title=Health and Nutrition in Centers for Unaccompanied Refugee Children: Experience From the 1994 Rwandan Refugee Crisis |url=https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/388857 |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=Jamanetwork.com |publisher=[[JAMA Network Open]] |publication-place=Chicago, Illinois, United States}}</ref> Many displaced families lacked access to sufficient food, and local health services were ill-equipped to address the scale of malnutrition.<ref name=":30" /><ref name=":31" />

Between January 2000 and December 2007, cholera remained a persistent threat in North and South Kivu, with 73,605 reported cases and 1,612 deaths, resulting in a [[lethality]] rate of 2.2%.<ref name=":32">{{Cite journal |last1=Bompangue |first1=Didier |last2=Giraudoux |first2=Patrick |last3=Piarroux |first3=Martine |last4=Mutombo |first4=Guy |last5=Shamavu |first5=Rick |last6=Sudre |first6=Bertrand |last7=Mutombo |first7=Annie |last8=Mondonge |first8=Vital |last9=Piarroux |first9=Renaud |date=19 May 2009 |title=Cholera Epidemics, War and Disasters around Goma and Lake Kivu: An Eight-Year Survey |journal=PLOS Neglected Tropical Diseases |volume=3 |issue=5 |page=3 |doi=10.1371/journal.pntd.0000436 |doi-access=free |pmid=19436726 |publication-place=San Francisco, California, United States|pmc=2677153 }}</ref> In North Kivu, the cholera strains identified included ''[[Vibrio cholerae]]'' O1 El Tor Ogawa and Inaba, with the latter being exclusive to South Kivu.<ref name=":32" /> Annual cholera outbreaks peaked at over 700 cases per week, particularly affecting health districts bordering lakes. Despite the severity of these outbreaks, between January and April 2002, only 140 cholera cases were reported across Goma, with no fatalities—a significant deviation from the city's typical average of 29 cases weekly for that period.<ref name=":32" />

==== Mental health and nutritional challenges ====
[[File:USG for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos visits IDP camp of Kanyaruchinya (7746996610).jpg|thumb|Food rations unloaded from trucks at the Kanyaruchinya IDP camp, located on the outskirts of Goma]]
In 2012, nearly 1 million children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were estimated to suffer from acute malnutrition, with North Kivu, where Goma is located, being particularly affected.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 November 2012 |title=Press Conference on Humanitarian Aid Efforts in Democratic Republic of the Congo |url=https://press.un.org/en/2012/121105_ocha.doc.htm |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=Press United Nations Un.org |publication-place=New York, New York, United States}}</ref> Food shortages further hindered access to adequate nutrition for IDPs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 November 2012 |title=Besoins humanitaires croissants à Goma |trans-title=Growing humanitarian needs in Goma |url=https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/fr/actualites/2012/11/28/besoins-humanitaires-croissants-goma |access-date=13 November 2024 |work=[[The New Humanitarian]] |language=fr |publication-place=Geneva, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2012 |title=Nord Kivu l'interminable cauchemar pour des milliers de déplacés congolais |trans-title=North Kivu the endless nightmare for thousands of displaced Congolese |url=https://www.caritas.org/2012/11/nord-kivu-linterminable-cauchemar-pour-des-milliers-de-deplaces-congolais/?lang=fr |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[Caritas Internationalis]] |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Vatican City}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=27 November 2012 |title=RDC: l'ONU annonce la reprise de l'aide humanitaire à Goma {{!}} ONU Info |trans-title=DRC: UN announces resumption of humanitarian aid to Goma |url=https://news.un.org/fr/story/2012/11/257512 |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=News.un.org |language=fr |publication-place=New York, New York, United States}}</ref> Continuous exposure to violence and trauma led to pervasive [[mental health]] issues, including [[anxiety]], [[Depression (mood)|depression]], and [[post-traumatic stress disorder]] (PTSD), with limited mental health support available in the region.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Hatcher |first1=Jessica |last2=Hatcher-Moore |first2=Jessica |date=5 November 2013 |title=Eastern Congo grapples with mental health catastrophe after years of war |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/05/eastern-congo-mental-health-catastrophe-brutality |access-date=13 November 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]] |language=en-GB |publication-place=Kings Place, London, England, United Kingdom |issn=0261-3077}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=14 February 2013 |title=Urgent need of assistance for displaced Congolese suffering from mental disorders |url=https://www.caritas.org/2013/02/rutshurunorthkivu/ |access-date=13 November 2024 |work=[[Caritas Internationalis]] |language=en-US |publication-place=Vatican City}}</ref>

==== Recent health crises ====
From 2016 to 2022, recurring conflicts and subsequent displacements in Goma exacerbated the health crisis, with recurrent outbreaks of communicable diseases such as cholera, measles, and a resurgence of malaria.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=13 March 2020 |title=La République Démocratique du Congo face à une grande épidémie de choléra |trans-title=The Democratic Republic of Congo faces a major cholera epidemic |url=https://www.solidarites.org/fr/pays/r-d-congo/la-republique-democratique-du-congo-face-a-une-grande-epidemie-de-cholera/ |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[Solidarités international]] |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Clichy, Hauts-de-Seine, France}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kombi |first=Jonathan |date=31 August 2019 |title=RDC: António Guterres évoque à Goma la rougeole, la malaria, le choléra et Ebola parmi les défis |trans-title=DRC: António Guterres mentions measles, malaria, cholera and Ebola among the challenges in Goma |url=https://actualite.cd/2019/08/31/rdc-antonio-guterres-evoque-goma-la-rougeole-la-malaria-le-cholera-et-ebola-parmi-les |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[Actualite.cd]] |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=République démocratique du Congo: l'urgence permanente |trans-title=Democratic Republic of Congo: the permanent emergency |url=https://www.msf.fr/decryptages/republique-democratique-du-congo-l-urgence-permanente |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[Médecins Sans Frontières]] |language=fr}}</ref> Overcrowded and unsanitary conditions within IDP camps facilitated the spread of these diseases, resulting in high morbidity and mortality rates. The [[COVID-19 pandemic]] further intensified health challenges for IDPs, as healthcare systems became severely strained, limiting access to treatment and vaccination. IDPs were particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19 outcomes due to overcrowded conditions and insufficient health resources.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 September 2020 |title=Lutter contre le covid-19 : Caritas Développement-Goma distribue des savons à 1.578 ménages dans les sites des déplacés – Democratic Republic of the Congo |trans-title=Fight against covid-19: Caritas Développement-Goma distributes soap to 1,578 households in displaced persons sites |url=https://reliefweb.int/report/democratic-republic-congo/lutter-contre-le-covid-19-caritas-d-veloppement-goma-distribue-des |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=[[ReliefWeb]] |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020 |title=Rapport d'enquete cap sur le COVID-19 dans la ville de Goma du 5 au 10 Avril 2020 |trans-title=Investigation report on COVID-19 in the city of Goma from April 5 to 10, 2020 |url=https://spherestandards.org/wp-content/uploads/BIFERD-rapport-covid19.pdf |access-date=13 November 2024 |website=Spherestandards.org |pages=1–13 |language=fr}}</ref>

=== Ebola epidemic and COVID-19 pandemic ===
{{Further information|Kivu Ebola epidemic|COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo}}

==== Kivu Ebola epidemic ====
A [[pastor]] infected during the [[Kivu Ebola epidemic|2018–2020 Kivu Ebola epidemic]] in the region was found in mid-July 2019 to have travelled to Goma.<ref name="name">{{cite web |date=16 July 2019 |title=First Ebola patient in DR Congo's Goma dies |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/07/ebola-patient-dr-congo-goma-dies-190716111022194.html |access-date=16 October 2019 |work=[[Al Jazeera English]]}}</ref> In August 2019, Rwandan Health Minister [[Diane Gashumba]] announced that students in Rwanda would cease attending school in Goma due to the Ebola outbreak, which has claimed the lives of over 1,800 people within the past year.<ref name="Attanasio">{{cite news |date=22 February 2021 |title=Italian ambassador to DR Congo killed in UN convoy attack |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56151600#:~:text=Italy%27s%20ambassador%20to%20the%20Democratic,near%20Goma%2C%20a%20statement%20said. |access-date=February 22, 2021 |work=[[BBC|BBC News]] |location=London, England, United Kingdom}}</ref>

==== COVID-19 pandemic ====
[[File:Covid-19 - international solidarity with DRC.jpg|thumb|Forty-five tons of humanitarian cargo, including water purifiers, nutritional items, and basic medical supplies donated to Goma to combat the [[COVID-19 pandemic]]]]
The Democratic Republic of the Congo confirmed its first case of [[COVID-19]] on 10 March 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 March 2020 |title=Premier cas de COVID-19 confirmé en République Démocratique du Congo |trans-title=First case of COVID-19 confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo |url=https://www.afro.who.int/fr/news/premier-cas-de-covid-19-confirme-en-republique-democratique-du-congo#:~:text=Premier%20cas%20de%20COVID-19%20confirm%C3%A9%20en%20R%C3%A9publique%20D%C3%A9mocratique%20du%20Congo,-10%20mars%202020&text=KINSHASA,%2010%20mars%202020%20-%20Le,COVID-19%20dans%20le%20pays. |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=Afro.who.int |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 March 2020 |title=Coronavirus: Premier cas déclaré en RDC |trans-title=Coronavirus: First case declared in the DRC |url=https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-51826040 |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=BBC News Afrique |language=fr}}</ref><ref name=":25">{{Cite web |last1=Kakozi |first1=Willy Missumba |last2=Katembo |first2=Barry |last3=Mazirane |first3=Pierrot |last4=Lukusa |first4=Patricia Mishika |last5=Baluntu |first5=Edo |last6=Makombe |first6=Espérance |last7=Bahire |first7=Claudine Munyatwari |last8=Murabazi |first8=Justin |last9=Mukuku |first9=Olivier |last10=Kibendelwa |first10=Zacharie Tsongo |last11=Wembonyama |first11=Okitotsho Stanislas |date=December 2022 |title=Determinants of knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices for COVID-19 infection in Goma, DRC |url=https://www.syncsci.com/journal/AHB/article/download/AHB.2023.01.001/750/ |access-date=26 October 2024 |publisher=SyncSci Publishing address |page=242 (1 of 11) |publication-place=Paya Lebar, Singapore}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2021 |title=Covid business en RDC: Repenser la Riposte aux épidémies |trans-title=Covid business in the DRC: Rethinking the Response to Epidemics |url=https://cic.nyu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/crg-covid-business-_en-rdc-repenser-la-_riposte-aux-_epidemies.pdf |access-date=26 October 2024 |publisher=Le Groupe d'étude sur le Congo (GEC) |page=7 |language=fr}}</ref> Following this, the virus spread throughout the country, resulting in a cumulative total of over 56,086 cases and 1,068 deaths (1.9% [[lethality]]) as of 5 September 2021.<ref name=":25" /> Kinshasa reported the highest number of cases, followed by North Kivu, which constituted 10.4% (5,841 cases) of the national aggregate.<ref name=":25" /> Within Goma, the virus predominantly disseminated via community-based transmission.<ref name=":25" />

In response, the DRC instituted stringent containment protocols to attenuate the ramifications of COVID-19, in alignment with the directives of the [[World Health Organization]] (WHO) and the national [[Ministry of Public Health (Democratic Republic of the Congo)|Ministry of Public Health]].<ref name=":25" /> These regulations encompassed the closure of educational institutions, places of worship, markets, and various public venues, coupled with prohibitions on large congregations, resulting in the cancellation of Goma's annual [[Festival Amani|Amani Festival]] in 2021.<ref name=":25" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=21 May 2021 |title=La 8ème édition du Festival Amani (juin 2021) est annulée |trans-title=The 8th edition of the Amani Festival (June 2021) is canceled |url=https://www.amanifestival.com/fr/actualite/annulation-de-ledition-2021-juin |access-date=14 May 2024 |website=Amanifestival.com |language=en-US |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kuzamba |first=Emmanuel |date=21 May 2021 |title=RDC: la 8ème édition du festival Amani annulée suite à l'état de siège et la situation sécuritaire à Goma |trans-title=DRC: the 8th edition of the Amani festival canceled following the state of siege and the security situation in Goma |url=https://actualite.cd/2021/05/21/rdc-la-8eme-edition-du-festival-amani-annulee-suite-letat-de-siege-et-la-situation |access-date=14 May 2024 |website=[[Actualite.cd]] |language=Fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 October 2021 |title=La 8ème édition du Festival Amani prévue du 4 au 6 février 2022 à Goma dans la province du Nord-Kivu |trans-title=The 8th edition of the Amani Festival scheduled for February 4 to 6, 2022 in Goma in the province of North Kivu |url=https://acp.cd/culture/la-8emeedition-du-festival-amani-prevue-du-4-au-6-fevrier-2022-a-goma-dans-la-province-du-nord-kivu/ |access-date=14 May 2024 |website=ACP |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Despite these measures, Goma's economy confronted considerable adversities, with the city encountering a pronounced inflation rate of 16.4% in 2020, juxtaposed with 4.6% in the preceding year.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Batana |first1=Yele |last2=Jarotschkin |first2=Alexandra |last3=Vilpoux |first3=Mervy Ever Viboudoulou |date=15 November 2021 |title=Reversing the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo |url=https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/africacan/reversing-adverse-effects-covid-19-pandemic-democratic-republic-congo#:~:text=Making%20matters%20worse%20for,household%20well%2Dbeing.&text=to%20inflation%20in%20the,household%20well%2Dbeing.&text=against%204.6%25%20for%20the,household%20well%2Dbeing.&text=%2816.6%25%29%20and%20Goma%20%2816.4%25%29%2C,household%20well%2Dbeing |access-date=26 October 2024 |work=Worldbank.org}}</ref> This inflationary pressure undermined household incomes and diminished overall quality of life.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Batana |first1=Yele |last2=Jarotschkin |first2=Alexandra |last3=Vilpoux |first3=Mervy Ever Viboudoulou |date=15 November 2021 |title=Reversing the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo |url=https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/africacan/reversing-adverse-effects-covid-19-pandemic-democratic-republic-congo#:~:text=Making%20matters%20worse%20for,household%20well%2Dbeing.&text=to%20inflation%20in%20the,household%20well%2Dbeing.&text=against%204.6%25%20for%20the,household%20well%2Dbeing.&text=%2816.6%25%29%20and%20Goma%20%2816.4%25%29%2C,household%20well%2Dbeing |access-date=26 October 2024 |work=Worldbank.org/en}}</ref> However, by July 2024, the DRC achieved a significant milestone, reporting no new COVID-19 cases.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 July 2024 |title=La RDC n'a pas enregistré de cas de COVID-19 (Officiel) |trans-title=DRC has not recorded any cases of COVID-19 (Official) |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2024/07/03/actualite/sante/la-rdc-na-pas-enregistre-de-cas-de-covid-19-officiel |access-date=26 October 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref>

==Volcanic activity ==
Due to the [[Great Rift Valley]] being pulled apart, the area experiences frequent [[earthquake]]s and the formation of new [[volcano]]es. Over time, volcanic eruptions have directly impacted Goma, with significant [[lava]] flows destroying nearby villages, neighborhoods, and roads north of the city.<ref name=":19" /> The 1923 and 1997 eruptions caused significant damage and loss of life, with lava flows encroaching upon [[Lake Kivu]]'s shores and destroying sections of the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Szeglat |first=Marc |title=Volcano Nyiragongo in Congo |url=https://www.vulkane.net/en/volcanoes/nyiragongo/nyiragongo.html |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=www.vulkane.net}}</ref><ref name=":19" /><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Nyandwi |first1=Blaise Mafuko |last2=Kervyn |first2=Matthieu |last3=François |first3=Habiyaremye Muhashy |last4=Kervyn |first4=François |date=April 30, 2021 |title=Volcanic risk communication challenges in the Global South: the case of Goma, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo |url=https://presentations.copernicus.org/EGU21/EGU21-15597_presentation-h815290.pdf |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Copernicus.org |publication-place=Göttingen, Germany}}</ref>

=== 2002 Nyiragongo volcano eruption ===
[[File:Nyiragongo volcano - SRTM.jpg|thumb|right|Computer image of Nyiragongo volcano generated from satellite photographs, showing the Goma-Gisenyi conurbation on the lake shore in the foreground. In the background, left, is the [[Nyamuragira]] volcano. Note that the vertical scale has been exaggerated.|222x222px]]
In January 2002, [[Nyiragongo]] erupted, sending a stream of [[lava]] {{convert|200|m|yd|0}} to {{convert|1|km|yd|abbr=off|spell=in}} wide and up to two metres (6½&nbsp;ft) deep through the center of the city as far as the lake shore. Agencies monitoring the volcano were able to give a warning and most of the population of Goma evacuated to Gisenyi. The lava destroyed 40% of the city (more than 4,500 houses and buildings). There were some fatalities caused by the lava and by emissions of [[carbon dioxide]], which causes [[asphyxiation]]. The lava also covered over the northern 1&nbsp;km of the {{convert|3|km|ft|adj=on}} [[runway]] of [[Goma International Airport]], isolating the terminal and apron which were at that end.<ref>[http://www.eri.u-tokyo.ac.jp/KAZANKYO/n_report/72.pdf "Cooperative Observations at Nyiragongo Volcano in D.R. of Congo".] Earthquake Research Institute, University of Tokyo. Retrieved 3 September 2007.</ref> The lava can easily be seen in satellite photographs,<ref>[http://earth.google.com Google Earth] has high resolution photographs showing the affected part of the airport at coordinates −1.658, 29.237. Retrieved 3 September 2007.</ref> and aircraft can be seen using the 2-km (6,500-ft) southern section of the runway which is clear of lava.

In March 2004, emissions from Nyiragongo volcano polluted the surrounding areas of North Kivu, including Rusayo, Bishusha, Birambizo, Tongo, [[Kitchanga|Kitshanga]], and [[Sake, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Sake]] with [[water vapor]] ({{chem2|H2O}}) laden with [[fluorine]] and [[carbon dioxide]] ({{chem2|CO2}}).<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-03-17 |title=Le gaz de Nyiragongo, un danger pour les villages environnants |trans-title=Nyiragongo gas, a danger for surrounding villages |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sans-categorie/2004/03/17/le-gaz-de-nyiragongo-un-danger-pour-les-villages-rnrnrnrnenvironnants |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>

=== 2021 Nyiragongo volcano eruption ===
{{further|2021 Mount Nyiragongo eruption}}
{{Multiple image |image1= The Nyirangongo volcano, one of the most active in the Great Lakes region, erupted on Saturday, May 22, causing the displacement of populations who feared for their safety (51229412299).jpg |image2=The Nyirangongo volcano, one of the most active in the Great Lakes region, erupted on Saturday, May 22, causing the displacement of populations who feared for their safety (51228861853).jpg |image3= The Nyirangongo volcano, one of the most active in the Great Lakes region, erupted on Saturday, May 22, causing the displacement of populations who feared for their safety (51229412829).jpg |footer=The 2021 Mount Nyiragongo eruption forced many residents to flee their homes in search of safety. |total_width=200 |direction=vertical}}
On 22 May 2021, Mount Nyiragongo erupted with lava flows closing a road and reaching the [[Goma International Airport|municipal airport]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Knowles |first=H. |date=May 2021 |title=Congo volcano erupts for first time in years, sending people fleeing from major city |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2021/05/22/congo-volcano-eruption-nyiragongo/?outputType=amp |accessdate=May 22, 2021 |newspaper=[[Washington Post]]}}</ref> The Buhene neighborhood, located on the edge of Goma, was engulfed in [[flame]]s, and more than 500 homes were covered in cooling [[lava]]. Parts of Virunga Energies's electricity facilities, which supplied electricity to nearly 15,000 homes in the city, were destroyed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Katumwa |first=Justin Kabumba |title=Mount Nyiragongo: At least 15 dead, over 170 children feared missing after volcano erupts in eastern Congo, officials say |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2021/05/23/mount-nyiragongo-congo-volcano-deaths-victims/5236294001/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=USA TODAY}}</ref> Thousands of people fled to nearby regions, with some boarding boats on [[Lake Kivu]], which lies on the border of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Around 5,000 people crossed the border into Rwanda, while another 25,000 went northwest towards [[Sake, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Sake]].<ref name=":20">{{Cite web |last=Brackett |first=Ron |date=May 23, 2021 |title=At Least 15 Dead After Congo's Mount Nyiragongo Volcano Erupts; Lava Engulfs Neighborhood {{!}} Weather.com |url=https://weather.com/news/news/2021-05-23-congo-volcano-mount-nyiragongo-eruption-goma-evacuation |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=The Weather Channel |publication-place=Atlanta, Georgia, United States}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-25 |title="Je n'ai pas pu sauver mon mari malade de la lave" |url=https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-57240950 |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=BBC News Afrique |language=fr}}</ref> The lava stopped flowing around 3 a.m. on 30 May 2021, and the Congolese government ordered the city's evacuation plan to be set in motion.<ref name=":20" /> On the same day, residents returned to Goma to check on their homes. However, the [[UNICEF|United Nations Children's Fund]] reported that more than 170 children were still missing.<ref name=":20" /> The official report on the number of deaths is yet to be released, but the Minister of Communication and Media, [[Patrick Muyaya Katembwe]], said at least 15 people died. Nine people died in a [[traffic collision]], four died while trying to escape from the central prison of Munzenze, and two were calcined by lava.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-23 |title=Eruption du volcan Nyiragongo : 15 morts (Officiel) |trans-title=Eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano: 15 dead (Official) |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2021/05/24/actualite/societe/eruption-du-volcan-nyiragongo-15-morts-officiel |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Radio Okapi |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>

=== 2023 Nyamulagira volcano eruption ===
On 9 May 2023, lava flows were seen inside the central [[crater]] of [[Nyamuragira|Nyamulagira volcano]]. By 17 May, a large glow above the volcano was visible, leading to lava flows in [[Virunga National Park]].<ref name=":21">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-05-22 |title=Lava flows on the flanks of Nyamulagira volcano, large emissions of gas and fine particles, DR Congo |url=https://watchers.news/2023/05/22/lava-flows-on-the-flanks-of-nyamulagira-volcano-large-emissions-of-gas-and-fine-particles-dr-congo/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=Watchers.news}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pulver |first=Dinah Voyles |date=May 22, 2023 |title=Volcanoes are erupting, spewing ash on these three continents |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/05/22/popocatepetl-volcano-mexico-etna-eruption-italy-nyamulagira-africa/70245438007/ |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=USA TODAY}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Global Volcanism Program {{!}} Report on Nyamulagira (DR Congo) — 17–23 May 2023 |url=https://volcano.si.edu/ShowReport.cfm?wvar=GVP.WVAR20230517-223020 |access-date=2024-02-28 |website=volcano.si.edu}}</ref> While the lava flows do not harm the population, the volcano emits large amounts of gas and fine particles. [[Thermal radiation]] over the crater increased sharply on 19 May, indicating an increase in the outpouring of lava, but the activity was still confined to the summit.<ref name=":21" /> [[Effusive eruption]] increased further on 20 May, forming two large lobes — one outside the [[caldera]] to the west and another to the south. Although not visible, [[Satellite imagery|satellite images]] on May 19 and 20 showed that the current eruption at the volcano was emitting enormous amounts of [[sulfur dioxide]] (SO<sub>2</sub>).<ref name=":21" />

===Threat posed by Lake Kivu===
{{Main|Limnic eruption}}

[[Lake Kivu]] is one of three lakes in Africa identified as having huge quantities of dissolved gas held at pressure in its depths. The other two, [[Cameroon]]'s [[Lake Monoun]] and [[Lake Nyos]], experienced [[limnic eruptions]] or "lake overturns", catastrophic releases of suffocating carbon dioxide probably triggered by landslides. Lake Nyos's overturn in 1986 was particularly lethal, killing nearly two thousand people in the area around the lake. Kivu is 2,000 times bigger than Lake Nyos and also contains dissolved methane as an additional hazard – though concentration of carbon dioxide is much lower than in Lake Nyos.<ref name="solidarites">{{cite web |author=Halbwachs |display-authors=etal |date=9 March 2002 |title=Investigations in Lake Kivu(East Central Africa) after the Nyiragongo Eruption of January 2002: Specific study of the impact of the sub-water lava inflow on the lake stability |url=http://www.eawag.ch/research_e/apec/Scripts/Lorke_publication_lake_kivu_2002.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080528121843/http://www.eawag.ch/research_e/apec/Scripts/Lorke_publication_lake_kivu_2002.pdf |archive-date=28 May 2008 |access-date=17 August 2008 |publisher=Solidarities}}</ref> Nearly two million people, including the population of Goma, live in the vicinity of Lake Kivu and could be in danger from a limnic eruption triggered by one of the nearby volcanoes and the earthquakes associated with them.<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/science/horizon/2001/killerlakes.shtml "Killer Lakes"]. ''BBC Two'', Thursday 4 April 2002. Summarised at 
www.bbc.co.uk.</ref>

The [[Carbon dioxide|CO<sub>2</sub>]]-rich gas location, known locally as [[mazuku]] has recently caused the death of people and animals.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 November 2005 |title=NOVA – Transcripts – Volcano Under the City – PBS |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/3215_volcanoc.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=Pbs.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Muhambya |first1=Katya |last2=Chaubey |first2=Nirbhay Kumar |last3=Kasereka |first3=Selain K. |last4=Mulondo |first4=Kayitoghera G. |date=16 October 2023 |title=GIS-based Modeling of Nyiragongo's Lava Flow Inundation Probability And Mazuku: A Spatial Environment for a Successful Evacuation Plan for Goma City |url=https://assets.researchsquare.com/files/rs-3431997/v1_covered_0e24e85a-4738-4991-b490-861fb2f6e603.pdf |access-date=28 February 2024 |page=2}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{Historical populations|1950|5000|1960|16,000|1970|49,000|1980|68,000|1990|111,000|2000|198,000|2010|355,000|2018|566,000|2019|599,000|2020|634,000|2021|670,000
<ref name="population">{{cite web |date=2021 |work=Macrotrends |title=Goma, Republic of Congo Metro Area Population 1950–2021 |url=https://www.macrotrends.net/cities/205453/goma/population#:~:text=The%20metro%20area%20population%20of,a%206.19%25%20increase%20from%202017  |access-date=January 10, 2021}}</ref>|type=}}Goma has experienced rapid and sustained population growth over the past decades. Historically, the city's population was relatively modest, estimated at just 80,000 in 1984.<ref name=":02">{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DzhsDwAAQBAJ&dq=Goma,+en+particulier,+a+%C3%A9t%C3%A9+le+centre+des+mouvements+de+population.+Cette+ville+de+pr%C3%A8s+de+80+000+personnes+(recensement+de+1984)&pg=PT107 |title=Revue de l'urbanisation en République démocratique du Congo: Des villes productives et inclusives pour l'émergence de la République démocratique du Congo |date=2018 |publisher=World Bank Publications |isbn=978-1-4648-1206-4 |location=NW, Washington, D.C. |language=fr}}</ref> However, significant demographic shifts have occurred due to [[Rate of natural increase|natural population growth]], [[internal migration]], and the influx of [[Refugee|refugees]] from neighboring countries, particularly during periods of regional instability.<ref name=":02" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Ferris |first=Elizabeth G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DaEcl8QoawUC&q=Goma%20grew%20with%20population%20of |title=Uprooted!: Refugees and Forced Migrants |date=1998 |publisher=Friendship Press |isbn=978-0-377-00319-4 |pages=49 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lNERAQAAMAAJ&q=Goma%20grew%20with%20population%20of |title=Bollettino di geofisica teorica ed applicata, Volume 50 |date=2009 |publisher=Osservatorio geofisico sperimentale. |location=Trieste, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy |pages=119 |language=en}}</ref>

The city's population dynamics were profoundly impacted by the [[Rwandan genocide|Rwandan Genocide]] (1994), the [[First Congo War]] (1996–1997), and the [[Second Congo War]] (1998–2003), as well as ongoing regional tensions involving [[M23 offensive (2022–present)|the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group]].<ref name=":111">{{Cite web |last=Mussa |first=Kanambe Juakaly |date=2012 |title=L'émergence du M23 au Nord-Kivu et son impact sur la situation socio-économique des habitants de la ville de Goma |trans-title=The emergence of the M23 in North Kivu and its impact on the socio-economic situation of the inhabitants of the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/11/13/7719/m_L-emergence-du-M23-au-Nord-Kivu-et-son-impact-sur-la-situation-socio-economique-des-habitants-de-l10.html |access-date=31 December 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural des Grands Lacs (ISDR-GL) |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> These events led to large-scale [[rural-to-urban migration]], with individuals and families seeking refuge from [[Ethnic conflict|interethnic violence]], [[Political violence|political unrest]], and [[Economic stability|economic instability]] in rural areas. This influx has contributed to both the expansion of Goma's physical boundaries and the transformation of its social and economic structures.<ref name=":111" />

As of 2024, the population of Goma is estimated at approximately 782,000.<ref name=":45" /> However, this figure remains a subject of debate, as alternative estimates suggest the city's population may exceed two million, driven by unrecorded migration and other factors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Murhabazi |first=Glody |date=12 June 2020 |title=Goma: 60% de la population n'ont pas accès à l'eau potable |trans-title=Goma: 60% of the population do not have access to drinking water |url=https://7sur7.cd/2020/06/12/goma-60-de-la-population-nont-pas-acces-leau-potable |access-date=31 December 2024 |website=7sur7.cd |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Cyuzuzo |first1=Samba |last2=Jones |first2=Mayeni |date=12 February 2024 |title=Violences en RD Congo: Panique à Goma face à l'avancée des rebelles du M23 |trans-title=Violence in DR Congo: Panic in Goma as M23 rebels advance |url=https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-68275585 |access-date=31 December 2024 |work=BBC News Afrique |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 February 2024 |title=En RDC, la population de Goma craint l'avancée des rebelles du M23 |trans-title=In the DRC, the population of Goma fears the advance of the M23 rebels |url=https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceculture/podcasts/la-revue-de-presse-internationale/la-revue-de-presse-internationale-emission-du-lundi-12-fevrier-2024-7803306 |access-date=31 December 2024 |website=[[Radio France]] |language=fr |publication-place=Paris, France}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rigaud |first=Christophe |date=5 February 2024 |title=Conflit en RDC: l'engrenage du pire au Nord-Kivu |trans-title=Conflict in the DRC: the spiral of the worst in North Kivu |url=https://afrikarabia.com/wordpress/conflit-en-rdc-lengrenage-du-pire-au-nord-kivu/ |access-date=31 December 2024 |website=Afrikarabia.com |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

The city's demographic composition consists predominantly of [[Bantu languages|Bantu]]-speaking ethnic groups, including the [[Konjo people|Nande]], [[Nyanga people|Nyanga]], [[Hunde people|Hunde]], [[Hutu]], Tembo, [[Bushi (region)|Shi]], Kano, and [[Tutsi]] communities.<ref name=":111" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Karumba |first=Janvier Bagula |date=2011 |title=De l'opportunité du développement du tourisme au nord Kivu. Cas de la ville de Goma |trans-title=On the opportunity of developing tourism in North Kivu. Case of the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/14/8505/De-l-opportunite-du-developpement-du-tourisme-au-nord-Kivu-Cas-de-la-ville-de-Goma.html |access-date=31 December 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Tourisme (ISTou-Goma) |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>

== Culture ==
[[File:Bintu Keita at the Amani Festival in 2022.jpg|thumb|[[Bintou Keita]] at the Amani Festival]]
Goma is home of the annual [[Festival Amani]] which celebrates peace; in 2020, it attracted an audience of 36,000.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020 |title=Amani Festival: The DR Congo music festival celebrating life |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51543822 |access-date=5 February 2022 |work=BBC News}}</ref>
Goma serves as the [[North Kivu]]'s [[cultural center]] and boasts a vibrant entertainment and performing arts scene that encompasses various media forms, including television productions, radio broadcasts, theatre, cinematic expressions, multimedia installations, and print publications. Like many cities in DRC, Goma is renowned for its lively music scene with popular genres such as [[soukous]], [[Congolese rumba]], [[ndombolo]], and [[Jazz]].<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Buchekabiri |first=Ephrem Chiruza |date=2013 |title=Analyse de la population de la ville de goma sur les programmes de la radio television communautaire Tayna Â« rtct Â» 2011–2012 |trans-title=Analysis of the population of the city of Goma on the programs of the community radio television Tayna "rtct" 2011–2012 |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/17/9500/m_Analyse-de-la-population-de-la-ville-de-goma-sur-les-programmes-de-la-radio-television-communautaire4.html |access-date=13 February 2024 |publisher=Université du CEPROMAD |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 2024 |title=Festival Amani (Goma RDC): Jazz Music |url=https://amanifestival.com/fr/artiste/jazz-music-2 |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Amanifestival.com |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Notable figures in Goma's popular culture scene include [[Innoss'B]], [[Jonathan Kuminga]], [[Rebecca Kabugho]], [[Anzor Alem]], [[Ley Uwera]], Petna Ndaliko Katondolo, [[Alicios Theluji]], [[:fr:El Weezya Fantastikoh|El Weezya Fantastikoh]], [[Christophe Madihano]], [[:fr:Patient Ligodi|Patient Ligodi]], Voldie Mapenzi, Mista Faba, Belamy Paluku, Willow Miller, and Vicky YM.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=31 January 2022 |title=REDCAT: Films by Petna Ndaliko Katondolo |url=https://www.redcat.org/events/films-petna-ndaliko-katondolo |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Redcat.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kribios-Kauta |first=Adjuvant |date=12 September 2019 |title=Qui est Voldie Mapenzi, la trompette des Grands Lacs à la voie stupéfiante ! |trans-title=Who is Voldie Mapenzi, the Great Lakes trumpet with an astonishing voice! |url=https://www.kribiosuniversal.com/post/qui-est-voldie-mapenzi-la-trompette-des-grands-lacs-a-la-voie-stupefiante- |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Kribiosuniversal.com |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=25 March 2015 |title=Mista Faba |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/fr/directory/mista-faba |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Music In Africa |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=8 October 2015 |title=Belamy Paluku |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/fr/directory/belamy-paluku |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Music In Africa |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Biographie de Willow Miller |url=https://musique.243stars.com/artists/willow-miller |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=musique.243stars.com |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Biographie de Vicky Ym Yaga |url=https://musique.243stars.com/artists/vicky-ym-yaga |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Musique.243stars.com |language=fr}}</ref>

=== Entertainment and performing arts ===
During the 1970s, theatrical activities in Goma flourished, with well-organized theater troupes such as AMIKI (''Amis du Kivu'') with Kembo and Mazingi, CLB with Tshiaba, Kainos, and Robert De Souza, and Ngoma with Mpozayo Jean-Paul, among others. The shows were held at the city's Ciné Palace hall. Additionally, the Goma Institute organized a school troupe under the leadership of the then-prefect Lumaya Ombwel, featuring talented student actors like Robert De Souza, also known as Kablan or Gilima, and Mwamba, alias Ringo.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web |last1=Marie-Vianney |first1=Mpozayo Beru Jean |last2=Michigan |first2=Sebunyenzi Sebakunzi |last3=Eric |first3=Kamori Bazirukize |last4=Katembo |first4=Sivendire |date=3 September 2012 |title=Tourisme culturel dans la ville de Goma, Province du Nord-Kivu |trans-title=Cultural tourism in the city of Goma, North Kivu Province |url=https://www.istougoma.ac.cd/pdf/publication/640f284426987.pdf |access-date=14 February 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Tourisme de Goma (ISTou-Goma) |pages=27–31 |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> On 16 March 2013, Goma played host to the inaugural [[Chukudu|tshukudu]] race, a [[wooden bicycle]] race organized by the [[United Nations Volunteers]] (UNV) and Association of Volunteers of Congo (''Association des Volontaires du Congo''; ASVOCO), which aimed to provide opportunities for the region's unemployed youth and promote peace, with the proceeds benefiting children in [[Kitchanga]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2013 |title=Goma: 120 personnes participent à la course de vélos en bois, "Tshukudu" |trans-title=Goma: 120 people take part in the wooden bicycle race, "Tshukudu" |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/sport/2013/03/16/goma-120-personnes-participent-la-course-de-velos-en-bois-tshukudu |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Durré |first=Jean-Jacques |date=18 March 2013 |title=RDC: Des "Tshukudu" pour la paix |url=https://www.cathobel.be/2013/03/rdc-des-tshukudu-pour-la-paix/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=Cathobel.be |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Carleton |first=Natasha |date=5 April 2013 |title=Tshukudu – La petite reine du Congo a sa classique |trans-title=Tshukudu – The little queen of Congo has her classic |url=https://www.lemonde.fr/blog/contre-pied/2013/04/05/tshukudu-la-petite-reine-du-congo-a-sa-classique/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |website=[[Le Monde]] |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Paris, France}}</ref>
[[File:Mohombi Moupondo (1545).jpg|thumb|[[Mohombi]] at the Amani Festival in 2022]]
Goma is a hub of art and craftsmanship, with skilled artisans creating intricate wood [[carving]]s, [[pottery]], [[textile]]s, and [[Jewellery|jewelry]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Isse |first=Albert |date=2023-10-03 |title=Goma Culture : quand la danse et la peinture s'allient pour dénoncer le mal |trans-title=Goma Culture: when dance and painting combine to denounce evil |url=https://zikplus.tv/goma-culture-quand-la-danse-et-la-peinture-sallient-pour-denoncer-le-mal/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=Zikplus.tv |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref name=":7" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kibangula |first=Treasure |date=October 30, 2015 |title=RDC : Goma la volcanique, comme on ne vous l'a jamais racontée - Jeune Afrique.com |trans-title=DRC: Volcanic Goma, as we have never told you about it |url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/258567/societe/grand-format-rdc-goma-volcanique-on-ne-jamais-racontee/ |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=JeuneAfrique.com |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Paris, France}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Younger |first=Veronica the |date=2017-11-06 |title=A Goma, si t'as un chukudu, t'es le roi de la rue |trans-title=In Goma, if you have a chukudu, you are the king of the street |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/monde/afrique/societe-africaine/a-goma-si-t-as-un-chukudu-t-es-le-roi-de-la-rue_3059807.html |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=Franceinfo |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Paris, France}}</ref> The city is home to Petna Ndaliko Katondolo's acclaimed multigenre film productions, which embrace a decolonial ''Ejo Lobi'' ([[Afrofuturism|Afro-futuristic]]) aesthetic that weaves together historical narratives to confront contemporary sociopolitical and cultural paradigms.<ref name=":6" />

The [[Foyer Culturel de Goma]] is the city's most significant [[cultural center]], which plays a pivotal role in nurturing emerging talents, including [[musician]]s, [[poet]]s, thespians, and [[Visual arts|visual artists]], as well as fostering the proliferation and commercialization of indigenous culture and artistic expression within the North Kivu Province.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mutebwa |first=Emilie |date=2 December 2023 |title=Goma: Projection du film " Garçon qui dopta le vent " au foyer culturel de Goma |trans-title=Goma: Screening of the film "Boy who tamed the wind" at the Goma cultural center |url=https://kivumorningpost.cd/2023/12/02/goma-projection-du-film-garcon-qui-dopta-le-vent-au-foyer-culturel-de-goma/ |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Kivu Morning Post |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2021 |title=FOYER CULTUREL DE GOMA: Directeur ou d'une Directrice du Foyer Culturel de Goma |trans-title=FOYER CULTURAL DE GOMA: Director of the Foyer Culturel de Goma |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/offre-demploi/foyer-culturel-de-goma-directeur-ou-dune-directrice-du-foyer-culturel-de-goma |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> The city also hosts the [[Festival Amani|Amani Festival]], a [[Transculturalism|transcultural]] [[festival]] drawing participants from the [[African Great Lakes]] region along with international artists and representatives of different ethnic groups from the region.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=AMANI FESTIVAL |url=https://amanifestival.com/download/archives/2014/AmaniFestival2014_PressKit.pdf?version=v2023.02 |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Amanifestival.com |pages=4–5 |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Goma also houses Yole! Africa, a youth cultural center promoting peace through art, music, dance, and film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McDarris |first=Annie |date=12 March 2019 |title=Confronting Conflict with Creativity |url=https://tapnet.no/2019/03/12/confronting-conflict-with-creativity/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=TRANSCEND Art & Peace Network}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Youth & Artists |url=https://friendsofthecongo.org/youth/ |access-date=14 February 2024 |website=Friends of the Congo}}</ref> The renowned spectacle "Au Chemin des Urnes", hosted by the French Institute (IF) of Goma, celebrates the city's poetic, musical, and rhythmic tapestry.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Isse |first=Albert |date=9 May 2023 |title=Goma-culture: présentation du spectacle ''Au Chemin des Urnes'' |trans-title=Goma-culture: presentation of the show "Au Chemin des Urnes" |url=https://zikplus.tv/goma-culture-presentation-du-spectacle-au-chemin-des-urnes/ |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Zikplus.tv |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Isse |first=Albert |date=1 May 2023 |title=Goma Culture: quand le slam s'invite dans le processus électoral |trans-title=Goma Culture: when slam enters the electoral process |url=https://zikplus.tv/goma-culture-quand-le-slam-sinvite-dans-le-processus-electoral/ |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Zikplus.tv |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

=== Infrastructure ===
{{Multiple images
| image1            = PXL 20221125 133918358~2.jpg
| image2            = Vue aérienne ville de Goma.png
| footer            = Aerial view of Goma
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Urbanization in Goma is in a state of progressive expansion, though the [[cityscape]] remains predominantly characterized by horizontal, [[Low-rise building|low-rise structures]].<ref name=":110" /> Concentrated largely around [[National Road 2 (Democratic Republic of the Congo)|National Road 2]], commercial activity is vigorous, with numerous bars, shops, ''Nganda'' (local eateries), and hotels lining this central corridor.<ref name=":110" /> Major commercial zones such as Supermatch, [[Nyiragongo Cement]], and several key stations like Ihusi, IBB Service, AFRICOM, Ni Yetu, Tout Jeune, and GPI dominate the city's urban landscape.<ref name=":110" />

While low-rise architecture remains the prevailing style due to its affordability and practicality, multi-[[Storey|story]] buildings are beginning to emerge.<ref name=":110" /> Goma's traditional wood board construction, popular due to its speed and cost-efficiency, is increasingly complemented by more durable vertical structures, which require significantly more extended construction periods due to the materials and techniques involved.<ref name=":110" />

One of the most notable developments in Goma is the Birere neighborhood, also known as Mikeno.<ref name=":333">{{Cite web |last1=Vlassenroot |first1=Koen |last2=Büscher |first2=Karen |date=November 2009 |title=The City as Frontier: Urban Development and Identity Processes in Goma |url=https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/Assets/Documents/PDFs/csrc-working-papers-phase-two/wp61.2-city-as-frontier.pdf |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=lse.ac.uk |publisher=[[London School of Economics|London School of Economics and Political Science]] |pages=9}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kitwanda |first=Samuel Habamungu |date=2015 |title=L'internet et son impact dans les organisations de Goma, cas spécifique de la RVA Goma |trans-title=The Internet and its impact on Goma organizations, specific case of RVA Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/12/21/12503/m_Linternet-et-son-impact-dans-les-organisations-de-Goma-cas-specifique-de-la-RVA-Goma9.html |access-date=30 December 2024 |publisher=Université du CEPROMAD (UNIC–GOMA) |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> The area, located within the [[Goma (commune)|Goma commune]], is recognized as the city's oldest residential neighborhood. It is characterized by its multi-ethnic demographic and serves as a focal point for informal cross-border trade, housing numerous stores, warehouses, restaurants, and popular clubs known as '''ngandas''<nowiki/>'.<ref name=":333" /> Birere occupies part of the "''zone tampon''", the neutral buffer zone between DRC and Rwanda, and remains a key location for economic activity, despite numerous efforts to shift the city's commercial heart to safer areas after the 2002 Nyiragongo volcanic eruption.<ref name=":333" /> The presence of the "''petite barrière''", a pedestrian border crossing, facilitates the illicit trade of small goods and provides a source of income for many Congolese and Rwandans.<ref name=":333" /> 

=== Tourism ===
Goma is a popular tourist destination and offers a variety of attractions.<ref name=":17"/> [[Virunga National Park]], located north of Goma, boasts more than 3,000 [[fauna]]l and [[Flower|floral]] species.<ref name=Plumptre_al2007>{{cite journal |author1=Plumptre, A. J. |author2=Davenport, T. R. |author3=Behangana, M. |author4=Kityo, R. |author5=Eilu, G. |author6=Ssegawa, P. |author7=Ewango, C. |author8=Meirte, D. |author9=Kahindo, C. |author10=Herremans, M. |author11=Peterhans, J. K. |name-list-style=amp |year=2007 |title=The biodiversity of the Albertine Rift |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=134 |issue=2 |pages=178–194 |doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2006.08.021|bibcode=2007BCons.134..178P}}</ref> [[Tchegera Island]] is located southwest of Goma.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muhima |first=G. B. |date=2023 |title=Lac Kivu : l'île Tchegera, un paradis terrestre |trans-title=Lake Kivu: Tchegera Island, an earthly paradise |url=https://kivumorningpost.cd/2023/05/03/lac-kivu-lile-tchegera-un-paradis-terrestre/ |access-date=13 February 2024 |work=Kivu Morning Post |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

=== Cuisine ===
[[File:Goma, Nord-Kivu, RD Congo - Une congolaise transporte des fretins - localement appelés "sambaza" (21953939023).jpg|thumb|Goma's ''sambaza'' are small fish that are traditionally fried and consumed in the region]]
Cuisine in Goma reflects the region's agricultural abundance and diverse influences. Staple foods include [[cassava]], [[Cooking banana|plantains]], [[maize]], and [[rice]], often served alongside a variety of [[meat]]s, [[fish]], and [[vegetable]]s. Local specialties such as ''[[Ugali|bugali]]'' (a starchy dough), ''sambaza'' (small [[dried fish]]), and ''[[sombe]]'' (cassava leaves cooked in [[peanut]] sauce) are popular among both residents and visitors.<ref>{{Cite web |last=James |first=Walter |date=1 July 2009 |title=Bon Appetit! |url=https://www.advocacynet.org/bon-appetit/ |access-date=13 February 2024 |website=Advocacynet.org}}</ref><ref name=":5" />

=== Mobile networks and media ===
Goma offers various [[cellular network]] services such as [[Supercell (mobile network)|SuperCell]], [[Bharti Airtel|Airtel]], [[Vodacom]], [[Orange RDC]] (formerly ''Congo Chine Télécoms''), and [[Millicom|Tigo]], which facilitate communication exchanges locally and internationally and play an integral role in business transactions, [[Social relation|social interactions]], and [[emergency service]]s.<ref name=":5" />

The city boasts a variety of [[Swahili language|Swahili]], [[Lingala]], and [[French language|French]] language radio stations, including [[Radio-Télévision nationale congolaise|RTNC Goma]], [[Radio Okapi]], RSI (''Radio Sauti'' ''ya Injili''), Radio La Colombe, RTCT (''Radio Télévision Communautaire Taina''), RTC (''Radio Télévision la Colombe''), Kivu 1, Mishapi Voice TV, Mutaani, RSM (''Radio Sauti'' ''ya Matumaini''), VBR (Virunga Business Radio), Pool FM, RAO FM (Radio Alpha Omega), COMICO, Emmanuel TV, and Source de Vie, offering various news, [[entertainment]], [[Religious broadcasting|religious programming]], and cultural content.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":43" />

City's radios are:<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":43" />
{| class="wikitable"
!No.
!Radio
!Category
|-
|'''1.'''
|[[Radio-Télévision nationale congolaise|RTNC]] (''Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise'')
|Public
|-
|'''2.'''
|[[Radio Okapi]]
|Humanitarian
|-
|'''3.'''
|RTCT (''Radio Télévision Communautaire Taina'')
|Community
|-
|'''4.'''
|RTC (''Radio Télévision la Colombe'')
|Community
|-
|'''5.'''
|Kivu 1
|Community
|-
|'''6.'''
|Mishapi Voice TV
|Community
|-
|'''7.'''
|Pool FM
|Humanitarian
|-
|'''8.'''
|RSI (''Radio Sauti'' ''ya Injili'')
|Evangelical
|-
|'''9.'''
|RAO/FM (Radio Alpha Omega)
|Evangelical
|-
|'''10.'''
|Emmanuel TV
|Evangelical
|-
|'''11.'''
|RSM (''Radio Sauti'' ''ya Matumaini'')
|Evangelical
|-
|'''12.'''
|VBR (Virunga Business Radio)
|Private marketing radio
|}

=== Sports ===
[[Association football]] is Goma's most popular sport. Prominent football clubs in the city include [[AS Dauphins Noirs]], which competes in [[Linafoot|Vodacom Ligue 1]], the premier division of the [[Congolese Association Football Federation]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Enyimo |first=Martin |date=13 September 2023 |title=Linafoot/Ligue 1: Dauphin noir désillusionne V.Club, Mazembe et Lupopo gagnent |trans-title=Linafoot/Ligue 1: Black Dolphin disillusions V.Club, Mazembe and Lupopo win |url=https://www.adiac-congo.com/content/linafootligue-1-dauphin-noir-desillusionne-vclub-mazembe-et-lupopo-gagnent-151459 |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Adiac-congo.com |publication-place=Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=21 September 2023 |title=Football – LINAFOOT: DCMP met fin à l'invincibilité des Dauphins Noirs |trans-title=Football – LINAFOOT: DCMP ends the invincibility of the Dauphins Noirs |url=https://linterview.cd/football-linafoot-dcmp-met-fin-a-linvincibilite-de-dauphin-noir/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=l'Actualité de la RDC / Le Media indépendant 24h/24 et 7sur7 |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kazadi |first=Eddy |date=1 May 2024 |title=Linafoot/plays-offs: Vclub freiné par Dauphins Noirs à Goma |trans-title=Linafoot/play-offs: Vclub slowed down by Dauphins Noirs in Goma |url=https://cocorico.cd/linafootplays-offs-vclub-freine-par-dauphins-noirs-a-goma |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Cocorico Media |language=en}}</ref> Other significant clubs include [[DC Virunga|Daring Club Virunga]] and [[AS Kabasha|Association Sportive Kabasha]], both of which participate in [[Linafoot Ligue 2]], an annual competition involving amateur football clubs across the Democratic Republic of the Congo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muhima |first=Georges Ben |date=19 February 2024 |title=Ligue2: DC Virunga Vs AS Nyuki, l'histoire du match aller s'est répétée |trans-title=Ligue2: DC Virunga Vs AS Nyuki, the history of the first leg was repeated |url=https://kivumorningpost.cd/2024/02/19/ligue2-dc-virunga-vs-as-nyuki-lhistoire-du-match-aller-sest-repetee/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Kivu Morning Post |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Muhima |first=Richard |date=17 November 2021 |title=Foot-Ligue 2: incroyable record battu par l'A.S Kabasha de Goma |trans-title=Football League 2: incredible record broken by AS Kabasha of Goma |url=https://le-renouveau.net/2021/11/17/foot-ligue-2-incroyable-record-battu-par-la-s-kabasha-de-goma/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Le Renouveau |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mbala |first=Cedrick Sadiki |date=5 November 2020 |title=Ligue II (RDC) crise au sein de l'AS Kabasha: 23 joueurs signent une pétition demandant le départ de leur comité |trans-title=Ligue II (DRC) crisis within AS Kabasha: 23 players sign a petition demanding the departure of their committee |url=https://africasport.org/ligue-ii-rdc-crise-au-sein-de-las-kabasha-23-joueurs-signent-une-petition-demandant-le-depart-de-leur-comite/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Africasport.org |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Matches for these clubs are predominantly held at [[Stade de l'Unité]], the city's primary football venue.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Muhima |first=Richard |title=Une grande première pour le stade de l'Unité de Goma, bonne nouvelle! |trans-title=A big first for the Unity stadium in Goma, good news! |url=https://totalementactus.net/une-grande-premiere-pour-le-stade-de-lunite-de-goma-bonne-nouvelle/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |work=Totalementactus.net |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=6 May 2018 |title=Goma: Réouverture du stade de l'unité 7 ans après |trans-title=Goma: Reopening of the Unity Stadium 7 years later |url=https://depeche.cd/2018/05/06/goma-reouverture-du-stade-de-lunite-7-ans-apres/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Dépêche.cd |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kamalebo |first=Christian |date=27 February 2016 |title=GOMA: Le Stade de l'Unité change son tapis noir pour un synthétique |trans-title=GOMA: The Unity Stadium changes its black carpet for a synthetic one |url=https://www.leopardsfoot.com/goma-le-stade-de-lunite-change-son-tapis-noir-pour-un-synthetique/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Leopardsfoot.com |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Goma also has several other notable sports facilities, including [[Stade Mugunga]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=SEKE |first=Henock |date=19 March 2023 |title=Goma, le stade de Mungunga bientôt opérationnel ! |trans-title=Goma, Mungunga stadium soon to be operational! |url=https://www.leopardsfoot.com/goma-le-stade-de-mungunga-bientot-operationnel/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Leopardsfoot.com |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=6 September 2023 |title=RDC: les villes de Goma et de Bunia satisfaites de l'acquisition des infrastructures financées par la SICOMINES S.A. |trans-title=DRC: Cities of Goma and Bunia satisfied with acquisition of infrastructure financed by SICOMINES SA |url=https://zoom-eco.net/a-la-une/rdc-les-villes-de-goma-et-de-bunia-satisfaites-de-lacquisition-des-infrastructures-financees-par-la-sicomines-s-a/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Zoom-eco.net |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> [[Stade des Volcans]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2012 |title=Nord-Kivu: les députés provinciaux exigent la réhabilitation des stades |trans-title=North Kivu: Provincial deputies demand the rehabilitation of stadiums |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/actualite/2012/06/20/nord-kivu-les-deputes-provinciaux-exigent-la-rehabilitation-des-stades |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 July 2023 |title=Nord-Kivu: lancement des travaux de modernisation du stade Les Volcans de Goma |trans-title=North Kivu: Launch of modernization work on the Les Volcans stadium in Goma |url=https://acp.cd/sports/nord-kivu-lancement-des-travaux-de-modernisation-du-stade-les-volcans-de-goma/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=ACP |language=fr-FR}}</ref> and Stade Afia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muntu |first=Emma |date=14 September 2022 |title=Afrique: En meeting au stade Afia de Goma – Kamerhe s'abstient de tout "politisme" devant ses militants |trans-title=Africa: At a meeting at the Afia stadium in Goma – Kamerhe refrains from any "politics" in front of his activists |url=https://fr.allafrica.com/stories/202209140433.html |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=La Prospérité |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>
[[File:Stade de mugunga Goma.jpg|thumb|Stade Mugunga]]
In addition to football, Goma is home to the Stade Paralympique de Goma, a dedicated [[basketball]] stadium that hosts national [[wheelchair basketball]] championships.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 December 2021 |title=Goma: le sport au cœur de la célébration de la journée internationale des personnes vivant avec handicap |trans-title=Goma: sport at the heart of the celebration of the international day of persons living with disabilities |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2021/12/03/actualite/societe/goma-le-sport-au-coeur-de-la-celebration-de-la-journee-internationale |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Konga |first=Christian Kamalebo |date=10 May 2019 |title=Goma: un bijou remis aux handicapés, un stadium inauguré pour l'émergence de balle au panier |trans-title=Goma: a jewel given to the disabled, a stadium inaugurated for the emergence of basketball |url=https://larepublique.net/goma-un-bijou-remis-aux-handicapes-de-un-stadium-inaugure-pour-lemergence-de-balle-au-panier/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Groupe de presse La République |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mpoyo |first=Gaël |date=2021 |title=RDC: 3e édition des championnats de basket-fauteuil à Goma |trans-title=DRC: 3rd edition of the wheelchair basketball championships in Goma |url=https://fr.africanews.com/2021/11/30/rdc-3e-edition-des-championnats-de-basket-fauteuil-a-goma/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=[[Africanews]] |language=fr |publication-place=Lyon, France}}</ref>

[[Boxing]] also plays a significant role in Goma's sports culture, with the city hosting a variety of boxing events, including inter-regional boxing tournaments at the Higher Institute of Commerce of Goma (''Institut supérieur de Commerce de Goma''; ISC-Goma).<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |date=25 June 2015 |title=Coup d'envoi du tournoi interrégional de boxe à Goma |trans-title=Inter-regional boxing tournament kicks off in Goma |url=https://provincenordkivu.cd/coup-d-envoi-du-tournoi-interregional-de-boxe-a-goma/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Province du Nord-Kivu |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> In 2015, Goma served as the host city for an inter-regional boxing tournament organized by the brewing company Brasimba of [[Beni, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Beni]], which attracted both amateur and professional pugilists from Goma, [[Bukavu]], Beni, [[Butembo]], and [[Rwanda]].<ref name=":0" /> On 30 June 2024, Goma hosted a Boxing Gala organized by the North Kivu Boxing League to commemorate the nation's independence, featuring participants from North Kivu, [[South Kivu]], and [[Maniema]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muhima |first=Georges Ben |date=18 June 2024 |title=Boxe: Un gala de Boxe pour célébrer l'indépendance du pays annoncé à Goma |trans-title=Boxing: A boxing gala to celebrate the country's independence announced in Goma |url=https://kivumorningpost.cd/2024/06/18/boxe-un-gala-de-boxe-pour-celebrer-lindependance-du-pays-annonce-a-goma/ |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=Kivu Morning Post |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

== Places of worship ==
Goma is home to several Christian churches and temples including the churches of the [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Goma]], [[Kimbanguism|Kimbanguist Church]], [[Baptist Community of Congo]] ([[Baptist World Alliance|World Baptist Alliance]]), the Baptist Community in the Center of Africa (World Baptist Alliance), [[Assemblies of God]], [[Province of the Anglican Church of the Congo|Province of the Anglican Church of Congo]] ([[Anglican Communion]]), Presbyterian Community in Congo ([[World Communion of Reformed Churches]]). There are also Muslim [[mosque]]s.<ref name=":42">{{Cite web |last=Mughole |first=Inès Kasoki |date=2012 |title=Etude sur les causes d'insuffisance ponderale des enfants a la naissance dans la zone de sante urbaine de Karisimbi ville de Goma |trans-title=Study on the causes of low birth weight in newborns in the Karisimbi Urban Health Zone, Goma city |url=https://www.africmemoire.com/part.3-chapitre-i-presentation-du-milieu-detude-1609.html |access-date=13 January 2025 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural de Bukavu (ISDR-Bukavu) |language=fr |publication-place=Bukavu, South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>

== Economy ==
[[File:Paysanne cultivant son champ de manioc sur les hauteurs du lac vert (23983084781).jpg|thumb|Cassava cultivation on the highlands surrounding the green [[Crater Lake|crater lake]] in Goma, December 2015]]
=== Agriculture ===
Goma's economy relies mainly on [[agriculture]], with a significant proportion of its population engaged in the trade of [[Agricultural productivity|agricultural products]]. However, due to the instability of the local currency, economic transactions often involve foreign currencies.<ref name=":16">{{Cite web |last=Muhindo |first=Yusuf |date=2020 |title=L'elevage des poules pondeuses et son impact sur la vie economique dans la ville de goma de 2018–2020 |trans-title=Raising laying hens and its impact on economic life in the city of Goma from 2018–2020 |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/10/22/13203/m_Lelevage-des-poules-pondeuses-et-son-impact-sur-la-vie-economique-dans-la-ville-de-goma-de-2018-29.html |access-date=22 February 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural de Goma |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Primarily centered on the production of [[raw material]]s, including plant agriculture, [[fishing]], [[hunting]], and [[fish farming]], these activities typically employ artisanal methods and antiquated production techniques. Agricultural products are primarily sourced from neighboring territories such as [[Masisi Territory|Masisi]] and [[Rutshuru Territory|Rutshuru]], supplemented by the resources of [[Lake Kivu]], which hosts thriving [[fish market]]s along its shores twice a week.<ref name=":16" /> Cultivation primarily focuses on garden crops and selected [[Staple food|staples]] such as [[legume]]s, [[maize]], and [[tuber]]s, leveraging the fertile volcanic soil enriched by [[basalt]]ic substrata. Nevertheless, the dense population necessitates [[economic diversification|diversification]] to ensure [[food security]] and foster interdependence with neighboring territories and countries for supplementary yields.<ref name=":16" />
[[File:Lac Vert Goma.png|thumb|432x432px|Lac Vert in Goma, situated southwest of the [[Mount Nyiragongo|Nyiragongo volcano]] and northeast of [[Lake Kivu]]]]
Historically, the colonial administration catalyzed economic development by introducing [[plantation]] agriculture in North Kivu's fertile highlands, establishing the region as a critical "food basket" for the [[Belgian Congo]].<ref name=":33">{{Cite web |last1=Vlassenroot |first1=Koen |last2=Büscher |first2=Karen |date=November 2009 |title=The City as Frontier: Urban Development and Identity Processes in Goma |url=https://www.lse.ac.uk/international-development/Assets/Documents/PDFs/csrc-working-papers-phase-two/wp61.2-city-as-frontier.pdf |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=lse.ac.uk |publisher=[[London School of Economics|London School of Economics and Political Science]] |pages=5–6}}</ref> Legislative frameworks, including the Draft Decree and Royal Decree of 12 December 1939, laid the foundation for agricultural oversight. This initiative culminated in the establishment of OPAC (''Office des Produits Agricoles de Costermansville'') on 4 February 1948, subsequently renamed OPAK (''Office des Produits Agricoles du Kivu''; currently known as ''Office Nationale du Café'', ONC).<ref name=":44">{{Cite web |title="AGRI": Service de l'Agriculture |trans-title="AGRI": Agriculture Service |url=https://www.arch.be/docs/invent/archives-africaines/AGRI.pdf |access-date=22 January 2025 |website=[[National Archives of Belgium]] |publisher=[[Minister of the Colonies (Belgium)|Minister of the Colonies]] |pages=32–33 |language=fr}}</ref><ref name=":43" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Mirimo |first=Yves Imoa |date=2015 |title=Mise en place d'un système informatisé pour la gestion des produits agricoles prêts à l'exportation: cas de l'office national du café (secteur de Goma) |trans-title=Implementation of a computerized system for the management of agricultural products ready for export: the case of the national coffee office (Goma sector) |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/10/17/10069/m_Mise-en-place-d-un-systeme-informatise-pour-la-gestion-des-produits-agricoles-prts--l-exportat7.html |access-date=23 January 2025 |publisher=Institut Supérieur d'Informatique et de Gestion de Goma |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> These agencies oversaw the production and export of [[Cash crop|cash crops]] such as ''[[Coffea arabica]]'' and [[pyrethrum]].<ref name=":44" /> During this era, substantial quantities of [[Cereal|cereals]], tubers, meat, and [[palm oil]] were routed through Goma for redistribution to urban epicenters such as [[Kinshasa]] and [[Kisangani]].<ref name=":33" /> The construction of a port in Keshero, later repositioned nearer to central Goma, augmented [[Trade route|trade routes]], integrating the city into a north-south [[economic corridor]] extending through [[Bunia]], Rutshuru, [[Bukavu]], [[Uvira]], and [[Kalemie]].<ref name=":33" /> While the colonial economy also invested in resource extraction, North Kivu's mining sector remained underdeveloped relative to mineral-rich regions like [[Ituri Province|Ituri]] and [[South Kivu]].<ref name=":33" /> Consequently, Goma's prominence as a mineral trading hub was relatively subdued until the 1980s. However, pre-existing cross-border trade routes connecting Goma to markets in Uganda and Rwanda persisted, providing the foundation for local commerce even after independence.<ref name=":33" />

In the post-independence era, these historical trade networks gained significance as the local population increasingly relied on informal and transborder economic activities to circumvent the exploitative practices of the Zairean state.<ref name=":33" /> By the 1980s, a substantial portion of agricultural production, including [[papaya]], [[tea]], [[cinchona]], and coffee, was smuggled or exported through informal channels, with [[Goma International Airport]] playing a key role in this clandestine commerce.<ref name=":33" /> Estimates from 1985–1986 suggest that up to 60% of local coffee production bypassed formal export systems.<ref name=":33" /> In 2001, the ''Compagnie pour la Promotion des Activités Café'' (COOPAC) was established, headquartered in the Les Volcans neighborhood of the [[Goma (commune)|Goma commune]].<ref name=":43" /> COOPAC has become a leading player in the coffee industry, overseeing coffee-related operations in eastern Congo and an integrated coffee processing chain, including a [[Husk|hulling]] facility established in 2004 and a washing station situated along the shores of Lake Kivu.<ref name=":43" /> The city is also home to Maizeking, an industrial enterprise specializing in the manufacturing of products derived from [[Maize|corn]], [[sorghum]], [[Soybean|soybeans]], and [[wheat]].<ref name=":46">{{Cite web |last=Adamo |first=Pierre Divin |date=2018 |title=Analyse de l'offre et de la demande des feuilles de manioc a Goma |trans-title=Analysis of supply and demand for cassava leaves in Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/07/21/11952/m_Analyse-de-loffre-et-de-la-demande-des-feuilles-de-manioc-a-Goma12.html |access-date=7 February 2025 |publisher=[[University of Goma]] |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> 

=== Secondary and tertiary sectors ===
The [[Secondary sector of the economy|secondary sector]], though relatively underdeveloped, holds potential for growth, given the city's dense population, which provides abundant labor force and potentially mitigates production overheads for entrepreneurs.<ref name=":16" /> Notable manufacturing enterprises include the MTC (Master Tabac Congo) conglomerate producing premium-grade [[cigarette]]s, coffee processing factories like SOTRAKI and ONC as well as food production companies such as Au Bon Pain and Boulangerie Mont Carmel, which manufacture baked goods.<ref name=":16" /> Other industrial entities include [[Nyiragongo Cement]], a [[cement]] production facility; Mbinza, a [[mattress]] manufacturing company; and La Chocolaterie Lowa, a Congolese [[chocolate]] producer.<ref name=":46" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Fula |first=Nadine |date=27 August 2020 |title=RDC: Julien Paluku en visite d'inspection dans les industries du Nord-Kivu bénéficiaires des financements du FPI! |trans-title=DRC: Julien Paluku on an inspection visit to the industries in North Kivu benefiting from FPI funding! |url=https://zoom-eco.net/a-la-une/rdc-julien-paluku-en-visite-dinspection-dans-les-industries-du-nord-kivu-beneficiaires-des-financements-du-fpi/ |access-date=7 February 2025 |website=Zoom-eco.net |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Malu-Malu |first=Muriel Devey |date=21 January 2022 |title=RDC: Alexis Kalinda et les ambitions du chocolat "made in Goma" |trans-title=DRC: Alexis Kalinda and the ambitions of chocolate "made in Goma" |url=https://www.jeuneafrique.com/1274240/economie-entreprises/rdc-alexis-kalinda-et-les-ambitions-du-chocolat-made-in-goma/ |access-date=3 April 2025 |website=[[Jeune Afrique]] |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Additionally, the city has a growing bottled water industry and photographic processing facilities, such as Fujicolor.<ref name=":16" />

The [[Financial services|financial industry]] is a significant component, with [[bank]]ing and [[Non-bank financial institution|non-banking financial institutions]] serving the city's population.<ref name=":16" /> Banking institutions like [[Central Bank of the Congo]], Banque Privée du Congo, [[Bank of Africa]], Banque Commerciale et de Développement, Banque Internationale de Crédit, Banque Internationale pour l'Afrique Central, [[Equity Banque Commerciale du Congo]], [[Standard Bank]], First International Bank, [[Trust Merchant Bank]], [[Rawbank]], [[Afriland First Bank]], [[Access Bank plc|Acces Bank]], [[Ecobank Group|Eco Bank]] Democratic Republic of the Congo, and others provide financial services,<ref name=":16" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Chiza |first=René Mushamuka |date=2013 |title=Analyse des déterminants de la diversification des produits dans les IMF de la ville de Goma |trans-title=Analysis of the determinants of product diversification in MFIs in the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/11/19/11223/m_Analyse-des-determinants-de-la-diversification-des-produits-dans-les-IMF-de-la-ville-de-Goma23.html |access-date=31 December 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur d'Informatique et de Gestion de Goma |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> while non-banking institutions, including 17 microfinance organizations, fortified with credit components cater to various fiscal needs within the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hilditch |first=Simon |date=20 August 2016 |title=Cartographie des institutions et des programmes de microfinance dans les villes frontalières en RDC, au Rwanda et au Burundi |trans-title=Mapping of microfinance institutions and programs in the border towns of Goma-Gisenyi, Bukavu-Kamembe and Uvira-Gatumba, in the DRC, Rwanda and Burundi |url=https://www.international-alert.org/app/uploads/2021/09/DRC-Microfinance-Institutions-FR-2016.pdf |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=[[International Alert]] |page=5 |language=fr-FR |publication-place=Oval, London, England, United Kingdom}}</ref><ref name=":16" /> Notably, microfinance entities like SOMIF/NFT, IMF Hekima, PAIDEK, [[:fr:SMICO|Sociéte de Microcrédit Congolais]], SOMIFI/REJEDE, COOPEC-Imara, COOPEC-Tumanini, and IMF PAIF, as well as NGOs like the Initiative Congolaise pour la Gestion Autonome des Populations (ICGP), the Association of Support for Grassroots Initiatives, Association d'Appui aux Initiatives de Base (APIBA), Organisation des Femmes pour le Développement (OFED), Solidarité et Fraternité dans l'Action, and Association de diabétiques du Congo (ADIC), contribute to economic development by supporting [[Small business|small businesses]] and entrepreneurial ventures.<ref name=":16" /> The city is also home to quasi-public non-bank financial institutions exemplified by [[:fr:Sonas_(république_démocratique_du_Congo)|Société Nationale d'Assurance]] (SONAS), Institution Nationale de Sécurité Sociale (INSS), [[:fr:Caisse_générale_d'épargne_du_Congo|Caisse Générale d'Épargne et de Crédit]] (CADECO), and [[Congolese Posts and Telecommunications Corporation|Société Congolaise des Postes et Télécommunications]] (SCPT).<ref name=":16" />

Goma benefits from support organizations like [[United Nations Development Programme|UNDP]], UWEKI, and CAFED, which foster entrepreneurship, provide training, and facilitate access to resources for local businesses.<ref name=":16" />

==Transport==
{{Multiple image |image1=Aérogare et Parking de l'Aéroport de Goma.jpg |image2=Goma Airport Shevelev-1.jpg |footer=Goma International Airport |footer_align=center |total_width=200 |direction=vertical}}
=== Air ===
[[Aviation]] is a significant transport mode linking Goma with [[Domestic flight|domestic]] and [[International flight|international]] destinations. [[Goma International Airport]], which serves as the city's principal gateway, handles passenger and cargo traffic and facilitates two international routes to [[Entebbe]] and [[Nairobi]], serviced by [[Ethiopian Airlines]] and [[Jambojet]].<ref name=":17">{{Cite web |last=Kwiraviwe |first=Jonas Muhindo |title=Chapitre I: Descripion de la ville de Goma |trans-title=Chapter I: Description of the city of Goma |url=https://www.africmemoire.com/part.3-chapitre-i-descripion-de-la-ville-de-goma-1055.html |access-date=27 February 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural des Grands Lacs (ISDR-GL) |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Conbgo}}</ref> However, the aviation industry in Goma has changed over the years with the emergence and departure of various carriers. While enterprises such as Virunga Air, Charter, and [[Sunair]] have ceased operations, stalwart aviation entities like société de Transports et Messageries au Kivu SARL (TMK), alongside [[Wimbi Dira Airways]] and [[Hewa Bora Airways]] persist in operating and rendering their services.<ref name=":17" />

=== Maritime ===
[[Maritime transport]] is also an essential mode of transportation, connecting Goma with nearby cities like [[Bukavu]] in the [[South Kivu|South Kivu Province]]. Boats and ferries operated by companies such as the ''[[Société nationale des chemins de fer du Congo|Société Nationale des Chemins de fer du Congo]]'' (SNCC) and private operators like Rafiki and Ihusi Hotel facilitate the movement of people and [[merchandise]] goods across Lake Kivu.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Karumba |first=Janvier Bagula |date=2011 |title=De l'opportunité du développement du tourisme au nord Kivu. Cas de la ville de Goma |trans-title=The opportunity for tourism development in North Kivu. Case of the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/14/8505/m_De-l-opportunite-du-developpement-du-tourisme-au-nord-Kivu-Cas-de-la-ville-de-Goma27.html |access-date=27 February 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Tourisme de Goma (ISTou-Goma) |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref name=":17" /> Notably, boats such as Emmanuel 2, assembled locally, provide an alternative mode of transport, significantly reducing travel time compared to road travel.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=12 July 2018 |title=Lake Kivu becomes major transport hub |url=https://www.africanews.com/2018/07/12/lake-kivu-becomes-major-transport-hub/ |access-date=27 February 2024 |website=[[Africanews]] |publication-place=Lyon, France}}</ref>

=== Road ===
{{Multiple image |image1=Goma, Lake Kivu, DRC (Zaire - Congo), Photo by Sascha Grabow.jpg |image2=Sunset on Lake Kivu, Goma, DRC - panoramio.jpg |footer=Lake Kivu |total_width=200 |direction=vertical |footer_align=center}}
[[Road transport]], presided over by private operators, is vital for intra-city and inter-city travel, encompassing a network of paved and unpaved routes.<ref name=":17" /><ref name=":110">{{Cite web |last=John |first=Luendo Malira |date=September 2018 |title=Essai d'etude sur le reamenagement urbain de la ville de Goma |trans-title=Study essay on the urban redevelopment of the city of Goma |url=https://www.istougoma.ac.cd/pdf/publication/642ac6221e32a.pdf |access-date=4 October 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Tourisme de Goma (ISTOU-Goma) |pages=27–30 |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> [[National Road 2 (Democratic Republic of the Congo)|National Road No. 2]] bisects the urban landscape, supplemented by smaller road segments, though their cumulative length is at most three kilometers.<ref name=":110" /> The city's road transport system comprises various vehicles, including car, trucks, buses and motorcycles, with car and motorcycle taxis facilitating the majority of shuttle services.<ref name=":110" /> Car taxis, often referred to as city taxis, are predominantly used for [[passenger transport]], while luggage taxis cater to the movement of goods. Motorcycle taxis, commonly employed for both passenger and small package deliveries, play a vital role in local mobility.<ref name=":110" /> Goma's location on the Rwandan border ensures its connectivity to [[Gisenyi]], with regular bus services facilitating travel between Goma and [[Kigali]] in less than four hours.<ref name=":17" /> Goma's road network connects to [[Masisi, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Masisi]], [[Walikale]], [[Kisangani]], [[Rutshuru]], [[Butembo]], [[Beni, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Beni]], [[Kasindi]], [[Bunia]], and [[Bukavu]], among other destinations. Within the city, motorcycles operate day and night, with different drivers serving distinct shifts.<ref name=":1102">{{Cite web |last=John |first=Luendo Malira |date=September 2018 |title=Essai d'etude sur le reamenagement urbain de la ville de Goma |trans-title=Study essay on the urban redevelopment of the city of Goma |url=https://www.istougoma.ac.cd/pdf/publication/642ac6221e32a.pdf |access-date=4 October 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Tourisme de Goma (ISTOU-Goma) |page=27 |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> Although major roads in Goma have improved, some residential avenues remain underdeveloped. Numerous roads are obstructed, either by improperly constructed homes, mountains of discarded waste, or incomplete construction projects, thereby limiting vehicular access in specific neighborhoods.<ref name=":1102" />

== Government ==
{{See also|List of governors of North Kivu}}

Goma is a four member [[electoral district]] of the 2024–2029 [[National Assembly of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|National Assembly]], the deputies are:<ref>{{cite web |title=Talatala |url=https://talatala.cd/deputes/?legislature=1&political_party=goma+ville&parliamentary_group= |website=talatala.cd |publisher=Congo Research Group |access-date=16 October 2024 |language=fr}}</ref>
*Hubert Furuguta (A/A-UNC)
*Charles Kakule (AAD-A) [[Substitute (elections)|replacing]] [[Muhindo Nzangi]] nominated to the [[Suminwa government]]
*Erick Lucky Mumbere (A/B50)
*Patrick Munyomo (AFDC-A)

===List of mayors===
* Kana Guzangamana, 1989–1991<ref name=":38">{{Cite web |last=Nzayo |first=Jackson Amani |date=2015 |title=Contribution de l'ONGD CAJED sur l'encadrement de la jeunesse désÅ"uvrée de la ville de Goma |trans-title=Contribution of the NGO CAJED on the supervision of unemployed youth in the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/04/17/9857/m_Contribution-de-l-ONGD-CAJED-sur-l-encadrement-de-la-jeunesse-desuvree-de-la-ville-de-Goma8.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |publisher=Institut Supérieur de Dévéloppement Rural des Grands Lacs |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>
* Mingale Mwenemalibu, 1991 (for a few months)<ref name=":38" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Witanday |first=Fabrice Prince Lusungu |date=2011 |title=Conséquences du mauvais lotissement dans le quartier katoyi en ville de Goma |trans-title=Consequences of bad subdivision in the Katoyi district in the city of Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/10/13/7533/m_Consequences-du-mauvais-lotissement-dans-le-quartier-katoyi-en-ville-de-Goma3.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |publisher=[[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]] |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>
* Athanase Kahanya Kimuha Tasi, 1991–1993<ref name=":38" />
* Mashako Mamba Sebi 1993–1998<ref name=":38" />
* Kisuba Shebaeni 1998–2001<ref name=":38" />
* Francois-Xavier Nzabara Masetsa 2001–2005<ref name=":38" />
* Polydore Wundi Kwavwirwa 2005–2008<ref name=":38" />
* Roger Rachid Tumbula, 2008–2011<ref name=":38" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 2010 |title=Poursuite de l'opération ' destruction des constructions anarchiques' |trans-title=Continuation of the operation ‹ destruction of anarchic constructions |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/regions/nord-kivu/2010/12/13/poursuite-de-l%25e2%2580%2599operation-%25e2%2580%25b9-destruction-des-constructions-anarchiques%25e2%2580%25ba |access-date=25 September 2024 |website=[[Radio Okapi]] |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>
* Jean Busanga Malihaseme, October 2011 – July 2012<ref>{{citation |title=Adolphe Lumanu Nomme Un Nouveau Maire À La Tête La Ville De Goma Au Nord-Kivu |date=30 September 2011 |work={{interlanguage link|Lecongolais.cd|no|LeCongolais}} |url=http://www.lecongolais.cd/adolphe-lumanu-nomme-un-nouveau-maire-a-la-tete-la-ville-de-goma-au-nord-kivu/ |language=fr}}</ref>
* Naason Kubuya Ndoole, July 2012–2015<ref name=":38" /><ref>{{citation |title=RDC: le maire de Goma accuse le M23 de causer l'insécurité dans la périphérie de sa ville |date=27 January 2013 |work=[[Radiookapi.net]] |trans-title=DRC: Goma Mayor Accuses M23 of Causing Insecurity on the Outskirts of His City |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/actualite/2013/01/27/rdc-le-maire-de-goma-accuse-le-m23-de-causer-linsecurite-dans-la-peripherie-de-sa-ville/ |location=DR Congo |language=fr}}</ref>
* Dieudonné Malere Mamicho, 2015–2018<ref>{{citation |title=Dieudonné Malere nommé maire de Goma |date=30 August 2015 |work=Radiookapi.net |url=https://www.radiookapi.net/2015/08/30/actualite/en-bref/dieudonne-malere-nomme-maire-de-goma |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kombi |first=Jonathan |date=21 February 2018 |title=Regain d'insécurité à Goma, un défi pour le nouveau maire |trans-title=Resurgence of insecurity in Goma, a challenge for the new mayor |url=https://actualite.cd/2018/02/21/regain-dinsecurite-goma-un-defi-pour-le-nouveau-maire |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=[[Actualite.cd]] |language=fr}}</ref>
* Timothée Mwisa Kyese, February 2018–2022<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mukosasenge |first1=Valéry |date=9 July 2018 |title=Goma: Pour se maintenir au poste de maire, Mwisa Kyese file au PPRD |url=https://larepublique.net/2118-2/ |access-date=7 August 2019 |work=LaRepublique |language=fr}}</ref><ref name=":39">{{Cite web |date=27 November 2022 |title=Nord-Kivu: des nouveaux Maires et Administrateurs de territoire "civils" |trans-title=North Kivu: new "civilian" Mayors and Territorial Administrators |url=https://www.mediacongo.net/publireportage-reportage-114144_nord_kivu_des_nouveaux_maires_et_administrateurs_de_territoire_civils.html |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=Mediacongo.net |language=fr |publication-place=Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref><ref name=":40">{{Cite web |last=Mungazi |first=Cosmas |date=26 November 2022 |title=Désormais Goma sera dirigée par un maire de ville Professeur d'Universités! |trans-title=From now on, Goma will be run by a city mayor who is a university professor! |url=https://flambeauestrdc.com/desormais-goma-sera-dirigee-par-un-maire-de-ville-professeur-duniversites/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=Flambeauestrdc.com |language=fr-FR}}</ref><ref name=":41">{{Cite web |last= |date=26 November 2022 |title=RDC: Félix Tshisekedi nomme des maires, bourgmestres et administrateurs des territoires civils dans des provinces sous état de siège |trans-title=DRC: Félix Tshisekedi appoints mayors, burgomasters and administrators of civil territories in provinces under state of siege |url=https://lesvolcansnews.net/2022/11/26/rdc-tshisekedi-nomme-des-maires-bourgmestres-et-administrateurs-civils-dans-des-provinces-sous-etait/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=Les Volcans News |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
* Prof. Kennedy Kihangi Bindu, November 2022–2023<ref name=":39" /><ref name=":40" /><ref name=":41" />
* Faustin Kapend Kamand, July 2023–present<ref>{{Cite web |last=Basabose |first=Blaise |date=25 July 2023 |title=Goma: Le commissaire supérieur Principal Kapend Kamand Faustin prend la commande de la ville |trans-title=Goma: Senior Commissioner Kapend Kamand Faustin takes command of the city |url=https://kivumorningpost.cd/2023/07/25/goma-le-commissaire-superieur-principal-kapend-kamand-faustin-prend-la-commande-de-la-ville/ |access-date=28 December 2024 |website=Kivu Morning Post |language=fr-FR}}</ref>

== Education ==
{{Multiple image
| image1            = ULPGL GOMA, Campus Moïse vue de couloir droit.jpg
| caption1          = [[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]]
| image2            = Classroom in Goma, Eastern DRC (25765237378).jpg
| caption2          = Classroom in Goma
| total_width       = 200
| align             = right
| direction         = vertical
}}
Goma's education system is organized into three main levels: [[Kindergarten]], for children aged 3 to 5; [[Primary school]], designed for students aged 6 to 12; and [[Secondary school]], which accommodates teenagers aged 12 to 18.<ref name=":43" /> Beyond [[basic education]], Goma serves as an academic hub for [[Tertiary education|post-secondary education]], hosting several prestigious institutions governed by the Ministry of Higher and University Education (''Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur et Universitaire, ESU)''.<ref name=":42" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kihimba |first=Trésor Mumbere |date=2012 |title=Problématique de gestion des latrines dans les institutions supérieures et universitaires |trans-title=Problems of latrine management in higher education and university institutions |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/13/6839/m_Problematique-de-gestion-des-latrines-dans-les-institutions-superieures-et-universitaires4.html |access-date=13 January 2025 |publisher=[[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]] |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref> The city is home to two of the nation's best universities: the [[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]] (ULPGL) and the [[University of Goma]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=MAXIMUM |first=LE |date=18 May 2020 |title=Meilleures universités en RDC |trans-title=Best universities in DRC |url=https://lemaximum.cd/2020/05/18/societe/meilleures-universites-en-rdc/ |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=Le Maximum |language=fr-FR}}</ref> In 2016, ULPGL achieved second place nationally according to International Colleges and Universities and third place in the [[Webometrics Ranking of World Universities|Webometrics]] ranking, which positioned it 19,099th globally.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bakenga |first=Dieudonné |title=L'ULPGL classée 2è ou 3è université de la RDC |trans-title=ULPGL ranked 2nd or 3rd university in the DRC |url=https://ulpgl.net/lulpgl-classee-2e-ou-3e-universite-de-la-rdc/ |access-date=13 January 2025 |website=Ulpgl.net |publisher=[[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]] |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>

In addition to these flagship institutions, Goma boasts a wide range of operational higher education institutions:<ref>{{Cite web |last=Buchekabiri |first=Ephrem Chiruza |date=2015 |title=Apport de la communication dans la gestion d'une institution universitaire en concurrence, cas de l'unic Goma |trans-title=Contribution of communication in the management of a competitive university institution, case of UNIC Goma |url=https://www.memoireonline.com/01/17/9499/m_Apport-de-la-communication-dans-la-gestion-d-une-institution-universitaire-en-concurrence-cas-de-l19.html |access-date=13 January 2025 |publisher=Université du CEPROMAD (UNIC-Goma) |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!No.
!Name of the institution
|-
|'''1.'''
|Université de CEPROMAD (UNIC-Goma)
|-
|'''2.'''
|[[Adventist University of Goma|Université Adventiste de Goma]] (UAGO)
|-
|'''3.'''
|[[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries|Université Libre des Pays de Grand Lac]] (ULPGL)
|-
|'''4.'''
|[[University of Goma|Université de Goma]] (UNIGOM)
|-
|'''5.'''
|Université du Kivu (UNIKIVU)
|-
|'''6.'''
|Université de la Conservation de la Nature et de Développement de Kasugho (UCNDK-Goma)
|-
|'''7.'''
|Université Libre du Kivu (ULKI)
|-
|'''8.'''
|Institut Supérieur de Formation Bancaire d'Assurance et d'Administration publique (ISABAS)
|-
|'''9.'''
|Université Saint Joseph
|-
|'''10.'''
|Université de la Paix (UNIP-RDC)
|-
|'''11.'''
|Université de l'Afrique Subsaharienne (UAS)
|-
|'''12.'''
|Université Francophone du Congo (UFC)
|-
|'''13.'''
|Université Progressiste des Grands Lacs (UPROGL)
|-
|'''14.'''
|Université des Hautes Technologies de Grands Lacs
|-
|'''15.'''
|Sahel Institut Supérieur de Science et Technologie (SIST)
|-
|'''16.'''
|Institut Supérieur de Commerce (ISC)
|-
|'''17.'''
|Institut Supérieur Pédagogique (ISP-Goma)
|-
|'''18.'''
|Institut Supérieur Pédagogique (ISP-Nyiragongo)
|-
|'''19.'''
|Institut Supérieur Pédagogique (ISP-Machumbi)
|-
|'''20.'''
|Institut Supérieur de Tourisme (ISTOU)
|-
|'''21.'''
|Institut Supérieur de Management de Grand Lac (ISMGL)
|-
|'''22.'''
|Institut Supérieur des Techniques Appliquées (ISTA)
|-
|'''23.'''
|Ecole Nationale de Cadastre
|-
|'''24.'''
|Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural de Grand Lac (ISDR-GL)
|-
|'''25.'''
|Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural (ISDR)
|-
|'''26.'''
|ISTAD
|-
|'''27.'''
|ISTAC
|-
|'''28.'''
|ISPD
|-
|'''29.'''
|ISTD
|-
|'''30.'''
|ISTGEA
|-
|'''31.'''
|ISTG
|-
|'''32.'''
|SDR-Graben
|-
|'''33.'''
|ISESOD
|-
|'''34.'''
|Institut Superieur des Arts et des Métiers (ISAM-Goma)
|-
|'''35.'''
|Institut de Batiment et Travaux Publics (IBTP-Goma)
|-
|'''36.'''
|IBTP-Rutshuru
|-
|'''37.'''
|Institut Supérieur de la Sapientia (ISSA)
|-
|'''38.'''
|Grand Séminaire de Buhimba
|-
|'''39.'''
|Institut Facultaire de Droit (IFAD)
|-
|'''40.'''
|Institut Supérieur d'Administration et de Gestion 
|-
|'''41.'''
|Institut Supérieur de Techniques Médicales (ISTM)
|-
|'''42.'''
|Institut Supérieur des Techniques Médicales et de Développement (ISTMD)
|-
|'''43.'''
|Institut Supérieur de Développement Rural (ISDR-Goma)
|-
|'''44.'''
|ISSAGEA
|-
|'''45.'''
|Institut Supérieur de Science de Santé de la Croix Rouge de Goma (ISSSCR-Goma)
|-
|'''46.'''
|Centre Universitaire de Paix (CUP)
|}

== Crime ==
{{Multiple image
| image1            = Joint Patrol UNPOL, FARDC, and PNC - 20 May 20 Goma, DRC (49919561222).jpg
| image2            = Joint Patrol UNPOL, FARDC, and PNC - 20 May 20 Goma, DRC (49919593692).jpg
| footer            = As part of efforts to secure Goma and its surrounding areas, a joint 19-hour night patrol was conducted in May 2020 by [[United Nations Police]], the [[Congolese National Police]], and the [[Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo]].
| total_width       = 370
| footer_align      = center
}}
Since early 2019, violent crimes such as [[murder]]s, [[Robbery|robberies]], and [[kidnapping]]s have plagued outlying neighborhoods, notably Ndosho and Mugunga in [[Karisimbi (commune)|Karisimbi commune]].<ref name=":22">{{Cite web |last1=Hendriks |first1=Maarten |last2=Büscher |first2=Karen |date=September 2019 |title=Insecurity in Goma: Experiences, actors and responses |url=https://riftvalley.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Insecurity-in-Goma-by-Maarten-Hendriks-and-Karen-Buscher-RVI-Usalama-Project-2019.pdf |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=Riftvalley.net |publisher=Rift Valley Institute |pages=22–27 |publication-place=Nairobi, Kenya}}</ref> Ndosho, known for its bustling [[Marketplace|markets]] and [[brothel]]s, is characterized by high crime rates and [[Ethnic conflict|ethnic heterogeneity]], while Mugunga, predominantly populated by [[Hutu]]s, formerly hosted extensive refugee camps in the aftermath of the [[Rwandan genocide]], alongside sizable IDPs settlements during periods of heightened conflict between the [[National Congress for the Defence of the People|CNDP]] (and subsequently [[M23 rebellion (2012–2013)|M23]]) and the [[Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo|FARDC]] from 2008 to 2010 and 2012 to 2013.<ref name=":22" /> Although the camps have been dismantled, the neighborhood is characterized by a high number of former IDPs ([[Hunde people|Hunde]] and Hutu) who settled in Mugunga. Both neighborhoods border [[Virunga National Park]] to the north and the main road to [[Sake, Democratic Republic of the Congo|Sake]] to the south, dividing the [[Goma (commune)|Goma]] and [[Karisimbi (commune)|Karisimbi]] communes, with diurnal activities centered along this road.<ref name=":22" />

A significant number of Mugunga's inhabitants, including [[Brigandage|brigands]] and ''maibobo'' ([[street children]]), gravitate towards Ndosho during daylight hours, lured by its superior commercial prospects. Throughout the day, encounters with insecurity primarily revolve around [[pickpocketing]], [[extortion]] by ''maibobo'', [[gang]]-related [[harassment]], and coercive measures employed by security personnel in Ndosho.<ref name=":22" /> Brigandage and petty crime have evolved into a viable means of subsistence for many and are part of an urban economy of survival and enrichment. Pilfered [[Merchandising|merchandise]] goods are openly sold in the markets, with numerous criminals attaining notoriety within their neighborhoods and certain gang leaders achieving city-wide renown.<ref name=":22" /> During the night, security conditions worsen and become more violent. Most residents return to their homes, while mixed patrols of the [[Congolese National Police|Police Nationale Congolaise]] (PNC) and Police Militaire (PM) units, along with gangs, prowl around the streets. Without [[pedestrian]] [[traffic]] and under the cloak of darkness, it becomes easier for bandits, thieves, and even unscrupulous police and military officers to operate.<ref name=":22" />

=== Coltan conflict-driven crime ===
[[File:Quarry nearby Goma - North Kivu (21052488542).jpg|thumb|[[Quarry]] near Goma]]
The regional conflict surrounding coltan and other lucrative resources has compounded Goma's challenges with crime.<ref name=":132">{{Cite web |date=31 March 2003 |title=Democratic Republic of Congo: 'Our brothers who help kill us": Economic exploitation and human rights abuses in the east |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/afr620102003en.pdf |access-date=14 November 2024 |website=Amnesty.org |publisher=[[Amnesty International]] |pages=35–39 |publication-place=London, England, United Kingdom}}</ref> Armed groups, including the [[Rwanda Defence Force|Rwandan military]], the [[Rally for Congolese Democracy–Goma|RCD-Goma]], and various opposition factions, have been implicated in the systemic targeting of civilians as they vied for dominion over resource-abundant zones.<ref name=":1322">{{Cite web |date=31 March 2003 |title=Democratic Republic of Congo: 'Our brothers who help kill us": Economic exploitation and human rights abuses in the east |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/afr620102003en.pdf |access-date=14 November 2024 |website=Amnesty.org |publisher=[[Amnesty International]] |pages=35–39 |publication-place=London, England, United Kingdom}}</ref> During 2000 and 2001, RCD-Goma forces reportedly conducted a spate of violent incursions into residences, particularly targeting individuals engaged in the [[coltan]] trade. Notably, on 18 November 2000, armed men, including RCD-Goma combatants, attacked the residence of Edouard Kasereka Kahimba, a coltan buyer.<ref name=":1322" /> The assailants demanded [[business record]]s and coltan, injuring Kahimba and assaulting his family members.<ref name=":1322" /> On 29 December 2000, combatants reportedly targeted a coltan trader known as "Safro" Sanvura, ransacking his residence and shooting indiscriminately. Similar incidents persisted into 2001, such as the attack on Pierre Hakizimana on 9 April, in which he was robbed of $3,000 at gunpoint.<ref name=":1322" />

On 8 September 2001, unidentified men in uniform conducted an early-morning attack on Sengiyumva, a 41-year-old coltan trader residing in the Katoyi neighborhood of Kasirimbi.<ref name=":1322" /> He sustained three gunshot wounds to his leg after being beaten with sticks, with both cash and mineral resources being seized.<ref name=":1322" /> Subsequently, on 14 October 2001, another trader, Papy, aged 26, endured a violent assault in his home, resulting in two gunshot wounds to the abdomen, allegedly inflicted by RCD-Goma forces. Though Papy survived, he required prolonged hospitalization for recovery.<ref name=":1322" />

==Other features of Goma==
Goma hosts the [[Free University of the Great Lakes Countries]], which supports local development initiatives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs (ULPGL) |url=https://www.prototypesforhumanity.com/university/universite-libre-des-pays-des-grands-lacsulpgl/ |access-date=2024-02-07 |website=Prototypes for Humanity |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A propos |url=https://ulpgl.net/a-propos/ |access-date=September 22, 2024 |website=ulpgl.net |publisher=Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs |language=fr |publication-place=Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo}}</ref>
The [[Goma International Airport]] accepts commercial charter flights and also, passenger flights operated by Ethiopian Airlines and Jambojet travel to [[Addis Ababa]] and Nairobi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 August 2015 |title=Ethiopian Airlines reprend ses vols directs sur Goma |url=https://www.voaafrique.com/a/ethipiona-airlines-reprend-ses-vols-directs-sur-goma/2902467.html |access-date=2019-10-16 |website=VOA |language=fr}}</ref>
Goma has four or five lakeside wharves totaling about {{cvt|130|m}}, the longest being about {{cvt|80|m}}.
As of 2014, an art gallery had opened, featuring local woodcarving, painting, and [[puppets]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014 |title=Helping artists in the middle of conflict |url=http://www.dw.de/helping-artists-in-the-middle-of-conflict/a-17596261 |access-date=29 April 2014 |work=[[Deutsche Welle]]}}</ref>

Goma hosts a Catholic priest seminary ''Redemptoris Mater'' run by the [[Neocatechumenal Way]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013 |title=Seminario Redemptoris Mater di Goma (Congo) |url=https://www.sanpietroapostolo.org/seminari/Goma.htm |access-date=29 September 2024 |website=Sanpietroapostolo.org |language=it}}</ref>

== International relations ==

=== Twin towns and sister cities ===
Goma is [[Sister city|twinned]] with:

* {{Flagicon|BEL}} [[Woluwe-Saint-Pierre]], [[Belgium]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Mulopwe |first=Mustafa |date=9 June 2013 |title=Inauguration du nouveau bâtiment de l'état civil de la mairie de Goma |trans-title=Inauguration of the new civil status building at Goma town hall |url=http://mulopwemustafa.wordpress.com/2013/06/09/inauguration-du-nouveau-batiment-de-letat-civil-de-la-mairie-de-goma/ |access-date=10 April 2018 |website=wordpress.com |language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Citizenship – Funding opportunities 2013 – Action1 – Measure 1.1 Town Twinning citizens meetings – EACEA |url=http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/citizenship./funding/2013/call_action1_11_2013_en.php |access-date=10 April 2018 |website=eacea.ec.europa.eu}}</ref>

== Notable residents ==

* [[Tuver Wundi]], journalist
== Related personalities ==
[[Peter Cirimwami Nkuba|Peter Cirimwami Nkuba]] Congolese military governor of the province of North Kivu until his death during [[M23 campaign (2022–present)|the fall of the city of Goma]] at the hands of [[M23]] the and [[Rwandan Defence Force]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{wikivoyage inline|Goma}}
* Tom Casadevall of the [[United States Geological Survey]]; [https://web.archive.org/web/20100706212813/http://cgs.illinois.edu/resources/webvideo/the-1994-rwandan-refugee-crisis-cultural-awareness-managing-natural-disasters "The 1994 Rwandan Refugee Crisis: Cultural Awareness in Managing Natural Disasters" (1h28m streaming video)]. Lecture given at [[University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign]] on vulcanology around Goma
* Jordhus-Lier, David: [https://web.archive.org/web/20110430042505/http://blog.nibrinternational.no/#post7 Life and Death in the Great Lakes Region]. ''The NIBR International Blog'', 15.02.2010.

{{New DRC provincial capitals}}
{{Nord-Kivu}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Goma| ]]
[[Category:Populated places in North Kivu]]
[[Category:Populated places on Lake Kivu]]
[[Category:Cities in the Great Rift Valley]]
[[Category:Democratic Republic of the Congo–Rwanda border crossings]]
[[Category:Cities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo]]