Desperate residents in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, are facing severe cash shortages as banks remain shut following the M23 rebel group’s seizure of the city. With no access to their funds, many are struggling to afford food, electricity, and basic necessities.

Looting and unrest linked to the M23 rebels have severely disrupted banking services, leaving thousands stranded without cash. Long queues have formed outside local banks and ATMs, but many machines remain empty, further deepening the economic hardship in the region.

Bukavu Resident, Benjamin Murhesa:
"I came to see how I could get a little money for some family expenses, but when I arrived, I found that the ATM behind me has nothing. The machine isn’t turned on. There’s no money in it. We don’t know what else to do – no money at all. We can’t even enter the bank; the doors are closed. There’s no way to get anything so the children can eat."

Residents say they have received no official communication from banks or authorities, leaving them in uncertainty.

Bukavu Resident, Samy Shamamba:
"I can’t even buy electricity, even getting food has become difficult while our money is sitting in these banks and cooperatives. We don’t know what else to do. Life is getting harder. No one says a word to us. I just came from there, I didn’t get any information, not even from the security guard. We’re asking you to plead on our behalf with the authorities. Maybe we can recover our money."

As traditional banking services remain paralyzed, residents have turned to mobile money services. However, limited access and high demand have made this an unreliable solution.

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