00:00This market in the centre of Goma used to be the heart of the local economy.
00:06But that's all changed since M23 rebels seized the eastern Congolese town one year ago.
00:15Now traders say they're struggling to survive.
00:19We used to buy in bulk at an affordable price. Sales were good and we could get by.
00:24But prices have risen sharply and customers hardly buy anything.
00:29We're holding on, but the situation isn't improving.
00:33The conflict between the Rwanda-backed M23 and Congolese-aligned fighters
00:38has created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises, with millions of people displaced.
00:45Since M23 took over Goma, the city is also facing an economic crisis.
00:52Since the occupation, nothing works.
00:55I used to have $1,000 in capital, but I only have $100 left.
01:01I hardly sell anything.
01:03Before the war, I would arrive in the morning, and by 9am, all my merchandise was sold.
01:09Today, I earned less than 50 cents.
01:13Because of the conflict, international companies have left,
01:17and many local businesses have closed.
01:19The closure of banks and microfinance institutions doesn't facilitate the circulation of capital
01:33and currency, nor does it make it easier for the economy to return to normal.
01:38M23 says it's fighting for reforms, better governance, and the implementation of earlier peace agreements.
01:49For residents, real change can't come soon enough.
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