Goma
Where is Goma located?
What historical events affected Goma?
What is the significance of Virunga National Park near Goma?
What natural disasters have impacted Goma?
Goma, city and capital of North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is located within the East African Rift System (Albertine Rift region), on the northern bank of Lake Kivu, and about 12 miles (19 km) directly south of Mount Nyiragongo, an active volcano. Pop. (2004 est.) 249,862; (2014 est.) 474,000.
History
The area that would later grow into the city of Goma served as an important hub for regional trade in the precolonial era. In the 1880s the area fell under the domain of Belgium’s King Leopold II, as the Congo Free State. In 1906 the Belgians established a colonial post there. It was one of the only large Congolese cities not given a European name by the colonial administration. Goma later grew to be a port of entry along the colonial trade network that moved agricultural goods and construction materials and, later, an administrative center. When the country gained independence from Belgium in 1960, Goma’s trade networks were important to the local economy.
The 1990s were a period of instability across the country, including in Goma, which saw periods of widespread looting that started with mutinous security forces and during which soldiers terrorized the population. In 1994 Goma and surrounding areas received hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing from the genocide and subsequent military operations that occurred in Rwanda that year, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Furthermore, the refugees included both those initially targeted in the genocide as well as the perpetrators, after they had been removed from power, creating a tense situation.
The country’s eastern provinces continued to be rife with conflict and served as a base for rebel activity and the launch of the First Congo War (1996–97), in which rebels led by Laurent Kabila, with the support of local Tutsi, as well as neighboring Rwanda and other African countries, overthrew the government of Mobutu Sese Seko. Goma was captured by the anti-government forces in late 1996. The city was seized once again early in the Second Congo War (1998–2003). Although a peace agreement was eventually reached in 2003, the area continued to see conflict between armed militias, and many people displaced by the violence sought refuge in or near Goma.
In 2012 the Rwandan-aligned March 23 Movement (M23) militant group initiated a rebellion in the Goma region, leading to significant conflict. M23 briefly held Goma in November 2012, leaving only after the efforts of regional mediators. In January 2025 Goma was again seized by M23 rebels, triggering a humanitarian crisis and threatening another protracted conflict. M23 imposed its own administration on the city, which remains under the group’s control.
Contemporary city
In addition to lying south of Mount Nyiragongo, Goma is also 19 miles (30 km) southeast of another active volcano, Mount Nyamulagira, and just over the border from the Rwandan city of Gisenyi. Because of its location, Goma has been affected by eruptions of Nyiragongo. Eruptions in 1977, 2002, and 2021 resulted in deaths, property damage, and the displacement of Goma’s residents.
Goma has traditionally been an important regional center of trade and commerce, and is a transportation hub with roads, lake transport, and an airport. However, the repeated regional conflict and natural disasters have disrupted the city’s functions.
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In times of peace, Goma is a popular tourist destination. The city has several hotels, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops. It serves as a convenient base for the area’s many natural attractions, such as Lake Kivu, the Virunga Mountains, and Green Lake, a volcanic crater lake. Most prominent of the nearby natural features is Virunga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its wildlife—in particular, mountain gorillas—and a variety of habitats, including savannas, lava plains, tropical rainforest, and snow-capped mountains. Goma is located near the southern end of the enormous park.
The city is also home to several universities, including Adventist University of Goma, the University of Goma, the Higher Institute of Computer Science and Management of Goma, and the Free University of the Great Lakes Countries. The annual Amani Festival, which is intended to promote regional peace and bring communities together to enjoy music, originated in Goma, and in most years it has been held there. The festival has sometimes been postponed or held in different locations because of conflict and insecurity.