A year under occupation
For more than 30 years, DR Congo has been fighting a war in the east. In all, more than 10 million people have died, millions have been displaced and the population is marked by extremely serious systemic violence, including rape used as a weapon of war.
It is now a year since the city of Goma (in January 2025) and the city of Bukavu (in February 2025) fell into the hands of the AFC/M23, a rebel group backed by Rwanda. The rebels rule by fear: repression, arbitrary arrests, forced disappearances and systematic violence against civilians. Human rights defenders, journalists and activists are particularly targeted, silenced or forced into exile.
Many health centres have been looted or destroyed, depriving the population of access to essential care. In addition, the destruction of the water supply and persistent insecurity are increasing the risk of water-borne diseases and malnutrition. Women and children, who are particularly vulnerable, have been hard hit. Sexual violence has increased significantly, leading to unwanted pregnancies, STIs and serious psychological trauma. The lack of immediate medical and psychological care makes their situation even worse.
Étoile du Sud Goma antenna
Despite the occupation, Étoile du Sud's community work continues. This is made possible by the popular health committees in each neighbourhood. These committees are very familiar with the population and its needs. They enable us to maintain a direct link with the residents.
These committees enable :
- Continuing community action despite the insecurity, thanks to appropriate strategies. The committees are organising themselves differently so that they can continue to act without being directly exposed to violence.
- To defend access to drinking water for families. They are calling on the local authorities to ensure that water remains accessible.
- Prevent abuses and arbitrary arrests through community vigilance. Local residents work together to protect civilians and report abuses.
- Provide emergency aid to displaced persons (food and clothing), particularly the most vulnerable. Local solidarity enables a rapid response to the essential needs of displaced people.
In addition, the Étoile du Sud branch in Goma provides regular follow-up with two health centres: Afia Himbi and Buhimba. These two centres help the most vulnerable sections of the population: women, children and the elderly. Particular help is given to victims of sexual violence and internally displaced people. Despite the difficulties, Étoile du Sud tries to provide medicines and the necessary medical equipment. This aid enables the centres to increase their capacity and provide free treatment to many patients living in very precarious conditions. The aim is to keep essential health services accessible to all.
Life in Goma today
Today, life under occupation in Goma remains extremely difficult for the population and the health system. A nurse in the town told us that :
«In Goma, we are facing many problems, especially in terms of health. The main challenge is the supply of medicines. At our last staff meeting, we noted that we do not have sufficient stocks to meet the needs of our patients.»
The health centres remain essential, but the need for medicines and medical equipment is great and urgent, and the teams are doing everything they can despite the lack of resources.
The economic situation is exacerbating these difficulties. The nurse explains that : «The population is very vulnerable and many patients are unable to pay for their care, even small sums.»
Daily life in Goma is still marked by restrictions, as the nurse in Goma explains: «Gatherings are not possible. The rebel security services criss-cross the city and keep a close eye on the population. Human rights defenders are not allowed to express themselves publicly. Those who dare to do so have to be outside the city to be safe.»
The nurse explains that diseases such as measles continue to spread, affecting children in particular. Despite the situation, the medical teams remain strong and continue to treat the population:
«We are managing the situation thanks to our efforts and organisation. Even though resources are limited and the situation is difficult, we are doing our best to ensure that people receive the care they need.»
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