Crisis Cash: How Rebel-Held Goma Navigates Daily Life with Damaged Banknotes

In the vibrant yet troubled city of Goma, nestled in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a silent crisis is unfolding on its streets and in its markets. Under the control of M23 rebels, Goma is grappling with a severe cash shortage, forcing its resilient residents to engage in daily commerce using banknotes that are often more tape than paper.

This extraordinary situation paints a vivid picture of the economic fallout from ongoing conflict and the ingenuity – or desperation – of a populace cut off from its national financial lifelines.

The root of the problem lies in the city's isolation. With M23 rebels controlling the major access routes and effectively severing Goma from the central government, the Banque Centrale du Congo (BCC) has ceased supplying new currency to the region.

This economic blockade means no fresh, crisp banknotes are entering the system, leaving the existing supply to degrade under constant use. The result is a bizarre form of currency, where tattered, torn, and meticulously taped-together bills are the norm, circulating as the de facto tender.

For the people of Goma, this isn't just an inconvenience; it's a daily struggle.

Market vendors, taxi drivers, and small business owners face the unenviable task of accepting and giving change with notes that are often rejected by others or accepted only at a reduced value. Imagine trying to buy groceries with a bill so fragile it might disintegrate in your hand, or receiving change that looks like a patchwork quilt.

This practice creates immense friction in transactions, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already challenging existence.

The economic ramifications are profound. Businesses, already operating in a fragile environment, find their operations hampered by the unreliable state of the currency.

The risk of counterfeiting also increases as damaged notes become harder to verify, further eroding trust in the monetary system. Furthermore, the psychological toll on residents is significant; the constant struggle to manage such poor-quality money is a daily reminder of their precarious situation and the broader conflict that dictates their economic realities.

This reliance on damaged banknotes is a stark symbol of Goma's isolation and the enduring impact of conflict on civilian life.

It highlights the critical role of a stable financial system in maintaining order and facilitating daily existence. While the residents of Goma demonstrate incredible resilience in adapting to these extraordinary circumstances, their 'crisis cash' serves as a poignant testament to the urgent need for peace and reintegration, allowing for the reestablishment of basic services and a return to economic normalcy.