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Goma’s Artists Paint a Path to Peace

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Goma’s Artists Paint a Path to Peace

(3 Minutes Read)

This growing creative economy is not just a cultural expression—it’s becoming a vital source of income for young people facing limited job prospects. As the city rebuilds, its art scene offers a unique blend of resilience and enterprise.

In Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, artists are creating more than just beauty; they’re building businesses, preserving memory, and promoting peace. In makeshift studios and community workshops, painters, sculptors, and muralists are transforming lived trauma into economic opportunity.

This growing creative economy is not just a cultural expression—it’s becoming a vital source of income for young people facing limited job prospects. As the city rebuilds, its art scene offers a unique blend of resilience and enterprise.

Life in Goma is currently characterised by high tension, insecurity, and hardship due to ongoing conflict and its aftermath. The city faces challenges including a lack of basic services, limited access to healthcare and essential goods, and increasing crime rates. Despite these difficulties, residents are striving to maintain some semblance of normal life, with some returning to the city and others attempting to resume their daily routines.

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Sporadic clashes, looting, and violence are commonplace, making movement and daily activities hazardous. Banking and taxation challenges exist, and the lack of cash hinders access to essential goods. Many residents struggle to afford food and other necessities. Many schools, health facilities, and markets have been destroyed or are non-functional, impacting access to healthcare and education.