Goma

Goma is a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the capital of North Kivu Province. It is situated on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, directly opposite Rwanda’s border town of Gisenyi. The city functions as a major commercial and administrative center in the region and serves as a gateway for cross-border trade with Rwanda and other Great Lakes economies.

History and development: Goma developed during the colonial era and grew rapidly after independence as a hub of trade, administration, and services. The Rwandan refugee crisis of 1994 and subsequent regional conflicts brought sustained humanitarian activity and a significant international presence to the city.

Volcanic activity and risk: The Nyiragongo volcano lies just north of Goma and has produced lava flows that reached parts of the city during eruptions in 2002 and 2021, causing evacuations and damage to infrastructure. The city remains exposed to volcanic and seismic hazards and to humanitarian needs arising from regional instability.

Geography and climate: Located in a Rift Valley region near Virunga National Park, Goma experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The surrounding landscape includes lava fields, forested hills, and the shoreline of Lake Kivu.

Economy and transport: Goma hosts markets, logistics facilities, and services that support cross-border trade and regional commerce. It is served by Goma International Airport and connected by roads to Rwanda and other local markets; ferries operate on Lake Kivu in some routes. The presence of United Nations peacekeeping and humanitarian organizations has shaped its recent development.

Demographics: The population is diverse, with communities linked to cross-border movement. French and Swahili are widely used, with Kinyarwanda spoken near the border and in refugee settlements.