Goma history

The history of Goma, located on the northern shore of the picturesque Lake Kivu, is inextricably linked to its strategic position and colonial past. The city has transformed from a small transit base into a vital administrative and economic centre of the region.

Foundation and First Mentions

Before the arrival of Europeans, the territory of modern Goma was an important point at the intersection of trade routes and paths along Lake Kivu. The first documented mention of the name "Goma" dates back to 1894, recorded by the German explorer Gustav Adolf von Götzen. In the late 19th century, during the 1890s, agents of the Congo Free State established a trading post here to control movements on the lake. Officially, a military and administrative post was established in 1906, and in 1910, Goma was definitively recognised as a Belgian possession.

Key Development Factors

The city's development was driven by several key factors:

• Geographical Location: Its position on the shores of Lake Kivu, near the border with Rwanda and at the foot of the Virunga volcanic range, made Goma a strategically important point.
• Trade and Economy: Initially created as a trading post, by the mid-20th century, the city had turned into a major hub for transporting agricultural products and building materials. Fertile volcanic soils contributed to the development of a plantation economy established during the colonial period.
• Administrative Role: Starting as a military post, Goma gradually increased its administrative significance. In 1951, the city became the capital of the North Kivu territory, which strengthened its status in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

During the period of Belgian rule, Goma developed as a quiet and respectable town with villas on the lakeshore, attracting European settlers. The urban planning followed a colonial model with a division into European and African quarters. The economy was focused on servicing transport flows and processing produce from surrounding plantations, which made the region the true "breadbasket" of the Congo.

Chronology of Key Events

The history of Goma is a tale of urban development under unique and challenging natural conditions. Its location at the foot of one of Africa's most active volcanoes, Nyiragongo, and on the shores of Lake Kivu has defined key moments in the city's life, from its foundation to the present day.

• Late 19th Century – Agents of the Congo Free State found a trading post on the site of the future city, utilising the strategic position on the shores of Lake Kivu.
• 1910 – Following the Brussels Convention, the territory of Goma officially passes under Belgian administration, laying the foundation for future urban planning.
• 1951 – Goma receives the status of capital of the North Kivu territory, significantly strengthening its administrative and economic role in the region.
• 1977 – A powerful eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano occurs. Flows of very fast and fluid lava reach the outskirts of the city, becoming the first serious natural test for its inhabitants.
• 1988 – The city becomes the administrative centre of the newly formed North Kivu province, confirming its capital status.
• 2002 – A catastrophic eruption of Nyiragongo causes immense damage to the city. The lava flow destroys a significant part of the central districts and the runway of the international airport, leaving thousands of people homeless.
• 2021 – A new eruption of Nyiragongo triggers a preventive mass evacuation of the population. Fortunately, the main lava flow stops at the outskirts without affecting the central part of the city, demonstrating increased readiness for natural challenges.

Stages of Goma's Development

The development of Goma is a story of adaptation and growth in unique conditions. The city has repeatedly proven its resilience, transforming from a colonial post into a major regional centre despite natural and humanitarian challenges.

• Colonial Foundation and Establishment (Early 20th Century): After officially coming under Belgian administration in 1910, Goma began to develop as an administrative and resort centre. Europeans built villas on the shores of Lake Kivu, and the fertile volcanic soils around the city were used to create plantations, laying the foundations for the region's agrarian economy.
• Obtaining Capital Status (1951 and 1988): In 1951, Goma became the capital of the North Kivu territory, and in 1988, the administrative centre of the province of the same name. This strengthened its political and economic importance, attracted investment in infrastructure, and contributed to population growth.
• Transport and Trade Hub: Thanks to its location on Lake Kivu and proximity to the border with Rwanda, Goma has historically played the role of an important transport hub. The development of the airport and road network strengthened its status as a key point for trade between the interior regions of the Congo (DR) and neighbouring countries.
• Humanitarian Centre (from the 1990s): Following the humanitarian crisis in Rwanda in 1994, Goma hosted a huge number of refugees, leading to a sharp population increase and attracting numerous international humanitarian organisations to the city. This turned Goma into one of the largest humanitarian hubs in the Great Lakes region.
• Recovery after the 2002 Eruption: The catastrophic eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano destroyed a significant part of the urban infrastructure, including the city centre and the airport. Subsequent large-scale reconstruction works, supported by the international community, led to the modernisation of urban development and introduced new approaches to town planning considering the volcanic threat.
• Tourism Development: Despite the challenges, the unique location at the foot of the active volcanoes Nyiragongo and Nyamuragira, as well as on the border with Virunga National Park, makes Goma a starting point for eco-tourism. The development of tourism infrastructure is becoming an important direction for the city's economy.
• Growth of Entrepreneurship and Informal Economy: High population density and constant migration flows have contributed to the rapid development of small businesses and the informal sector. Trade, craft services, and transport have become the basis of survival and economic activity for many citizens.

The architectural appearance of Goma is not a story of shifting grand styles like Gothic or Renaissance, but rather a reflection of the city's turbulent history, its unique geographical location, and the constant struggle against natural elements. Urban planning here was shaped by the colonial past, rapid population growth, and the destructive eruptions of the Nyiragongo volcano. As a result, Goma has developed an eclectic and predominantly functional built environment.

Colonial Heritage

Few traces of the Belgian colonial period from the early and mid-20th century remain in Goma's architecture. These are typically utilitarian administrative buildings, villas of former European settlers, and religious structures. One of the landmark buildings of this era is the Saint Joseph's Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Joseph de Goma), which, despite subsequent renovations, retains features of European church architecture adapted to local conditions. These structures are characterised by simple forms and the use of brick and local stone.

Architecture of Necessity and Post-Conflict Development

A significant part of the urban fabric consists of so-called "spontaneous" or informal architecture. After the humanitarian crisis of 1994, the city's population grew sharply due to refugees, leading to chaotic construction of housing from available materials: wood, mud bricks, and metal sheets. This type of building still predominates in many neighbourhoods of the city.

Modern Construction and Volcanic Influence

The catastrophic eruption of the Nyiragongo volcano in 2002 destroyed a significant part of the city centre, including commercial districts and residential homes. The subsequent recovery shaped the new look of the central streets. A distinctive feature of modern architecture in Goma has been the active use of black volcanic stone (basalt), which is abundant in the surroundings. This durable and accessible material is used for building foundations and walls, as well as for erecting fences, giving the city a characteristic and somewhat austere appearance. In recent years, modern buildings made of concrete and glass have also appeared in Goma—mainly hotels, bank offices, and representations of international organisations, whose architecture is subject primarily to requirements of functionality and safety.

The city of Goma, located in the North Kivu province of Congo (DR), is the birthplace and centre of activity for many prominent individuals. Their contributions span music, politics, social activism, and science, shaping the modern face of the region.

Innoss'B (Innocent Didace Balume)

Musician, singer, and rapper
Born in Goma on May 5, 1997, Innoss'B is one of the brightest representatives of modern African music. He is considered a pioneer of the "AfroCongo" genre and gained widespread fame after winning the Vodacom Superstar competition in 2010, sponsored by the American singer Akon. His music combines Congolese rumba, folklore, and hip-hop, earning him international recognition and numerous awards.

Rebecca Kabugho

Social activist
Rebecca Kabugho, born in Goma on September 4, 1994, is a well-known human rights defender and member of the youth movement LUCHA (Lutte pour le Changement — "Struggle for Change"). She gained global fame as one of the youngest prisoners of conscience. In 2017, for her non-violent struggle for democratic change in the country, she was awarded the prestigious International Women of Courage Award, presented to her in the USA.

Julien Paluku Kahongya

Politician
Although not born in Goma itself but in the North Kivu province, Julien Paluku Kahongya is inextricably linked to the city. He served as Governor of North Kivu province from 2007 to 2019, and also as Minister of Industry and Minister of Foreign Trade of the DR Congo. His political career has had a significant impact on the development of Goma and the entire region.

Aganze Premier

Folk musician
Aganze Premier (died in 2023) was one of the most beloved and respected folk musicians in eastern Congo, whose career was closely tied to Goma. Although born in Bukavu, his music, performed in the Shi language, became the soundtrack for many generations in the Kivu region. He was known for his talent, preservation of traditional values, and charitable activities, performing at major events including the Amani Festival in Goma.

Muhindo Mughanda

Figure in science and education
Professor Muhindo Mughanda is a landmark figure in the academic circles of Goma. As the Rector of the University of Goma (Université de Goma), he plays a key role in the development of higher education and the training of new generations of specialists in the region. His work contributes to the intellectual and scientific growth of the city.