'I drove through most parts of the city and could not see any signs of a humanitarian crisis,' Fahrenholtz revealed in a post on X on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
'The streets are bustling with people and they seem very relaxed and feeling safe. The shops are full with foodstuff, imported goods, etc. The University reopened, electricity and water are supplied by the municipality 24 hours per day. There is even street lighting during the night.'
No humanitarian crisis in Goma. I drove through most parts of the city and could not see any signs of a humanitarian crisis. The streets are bustling with people and they seem very relaxed and feeling safe. The shops are full with foodstuff, imported goods etc. The University… pic.twitter.com/xAbuGTj3kT
â€" Peter Fahrenholtz, Ambassador rtd (@peterfahren) April 15, 2025
Fahrenholtz, who previously served as Germany's ambassador to Rwanda and Bangladesh, praised the efforts to restore order in Goma, noting that law enforcement appeared effective and visible improvements in public services were evident.
'Almost no garbage to be seen in the streets. Police officers are doing their job, crime and corruption seem to be clearly less. Rule of law is beginning to be established,' he added.
During his visit, Fahrenholtz observed that the border crossing between Goma and Gisenyi, Rwanda, is fully operational, with UN World Food Programme trucks and NGO vehicles crossing smoothly to address humanitarian needs that may still exist in districts outside the city.
'I saw women walking across into Goma at 9 p.m.,' he noted.
In his visit, Fahrenholtz met with the Governor of North Kivu, Manzi Willy, who spoke of the ongoing genocidal acts targeting the Tutsi population in eastern DRCâ€"atrocities also flagged by the UN Special Advisor on Genocide Prevention.
The governor stressed that the M23 movement aims to end these acts, protect civilians' human rights, and work toward peace and stability in the region.
Describing M23 as an 'inclusive and diverse Congolese movement' with members from various ethnic backgrounds, including Hutu, Fahrenholtz echoed concerns about the persecution and displacement of Tutsi communities over decades.
The former ambassador has previously criticized international responses to the conflict, particularly those of the European Union. He challenged comments made by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas, who in March accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebellion. Rwanda has repeatedly denied involvement in the conflict, insisting that its primary concern is the continued presence in the DRC of the FDLR militia, which is linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
'Are M23 not DR Congo citizens? Were there not European mercenaries fighting against them in DR Congo? Who will protect ethnic minorities in eastern DR Congo?' Fahrenholtz questioned.
He further criticized the Congolese government's failure to resolve the root causes of the rebellion, including ethnic divisionism and genocidal ideology.
Fahrenholtz's remarks add a diplomatic voice to the growing scrutiny of the conflict in eastern Congo since the takeover of Goma by the rebels in January, urging the international community to reevaluate its stance and prioritize protection of minority communities.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
