Farmers in rebel-held Kibumba are navigating extraordinary hardship as they return to their fertile lands in eastern Congo, now controlled by M23 rebels. Their homecoming, while seemingly hopeful, reveals a landscape marked by land disputes, financial hardship, and the lasting effects of prolonged conflict.
For years, Kibumba—a key agricultural town north of Goma—thrived with fields of cauliflower, carrots, and beets that supplied surrounding cities. However, intensifying clashes between Congolese forces and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels forced thousands to flee. Among them was Ndagijimana Ntaboba, a 48-year-old farmer, who left his land behind in 2022 and relocated with his family to Kanyaruchinya.
In early 2025, M23 rebels began clearing displacement camps around Goma, effectively pressuring many families to return. Ntaboba, like others, saw no alternative but to go back to Kibumba. When he arrived, he found another family cultivating his land. To recover the harvest, he paid them $600—an amount that forced him to borrow money just to restart his livelihood.
The return of farmers like Ntaboba reflects the complexity of the region’s humanitarian crisis. The International Organization for Migration reports that since January, over 1.2 million people fled North and South Kivu. At the same time, around 1.8 million others—most under duress—returned to their homes. This dynamic exposes a troubling pattern of forced returns and unresolved displacement.
Jan Egeland, Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, recently visited the region and met several returnees. Many told him they had only 48 to 72 hours to vacate the camps once M23 took over. Although they felt relief being back, they also expressed frustration over the lack of choice. Most returnees did not voluntarily leave the camps—they were removed without proper arrangements.
Upon return, many residents encountered severe challenges. Bombing and fighting had destroyed homes. Essential supplies like seeds, tools, and shelter were nowhere to be found. As a result, rebuilding became a daunting task. Humanitarian aid has not reached many of these individuals, leaving them vulnerable and exposed to further hardship.
Land disputes have escalated tension in several communities. Returning farmers often find others occupying their plots. With no official framework to settle these disagreements, the risk of new conflicts continues to grow. Egeland emphasized that without urgent mediation and government involvement, these disputes could ignite further violence.
Kibumba’s importance in regional food production cannot be overstated. Before the crisis, its farms supplied Goma and neighboring towns. Today, the drop in agricultural output threatens food security across eastern Congo. Unless these farmers regain full access to resources and land, urban food shortages will likely worsen.
Moreover, farmers now face additional barriers due to rebel occupation. Market access remains uncertain. Transportation is unreliable. Security is fragile. Even with the will to work, many cannot afford the tools or seeds they need. They operate under constant pressure, unsure if another round of conflict will undo any progress.
To support their recovery, humanitarian agencies and government authorities must intervene quickly. They need to offer farming inputs, rebuild damaged homes, and facilitate land ownership verification. At the same time, international stakeholders should promote conflict resolution and ensure local voices guide long-term planning.
In summary, the resilience of farmers in rebel-held Kibumba underscores their determination to rebuild. However, they cannot do it alone. Their recovery depends on urgent, coordinated action. By resolving land conflicts, restoring livelihoods, and securing peace, stakeholders can prevent further deterioration and help thousands reclaim stability and dignity in eastern Congo.
