Residents living near border crossings between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have urged authorities to strengthen Ebola prevention measures while allowing cross-border trade and movement to continue, warning that border closures are crippling livelihoods.
The concerns come as Rwanda temporarily closes border crossings with the DRC following the resurgence of Ebola cases in eastern Congo. The move is part of efforts to prevent the deadly virus from spreading into Rwanda.
At several border points, activity has sharply declined, with only a few vehicles carrying food supplies and residents returning home still being allowed through. Many people attempting to cross have reportedly been turned back.
Cross-border traders say they understand the dangers posed by Ebola, a highly contagious disease that has already claimed lives in the neighboring country, but insist that stricter health measures should not completely halt economic activities.
“We are ready to follow all preventive guidelines, but authorities should find a way to keep movement and trade operating because this is how families survive,” one trader said.
Residents near the Rusizi I and Rusizi II border posts told Radio 1 that daily business activities at the border are the backbone of the local economy, helping families pay school fees, health insurance, and other basic needs.
“When the border closes, life here almost stops. Businesses collapse because the movement of Congolese traders and customers is what drives economic activity in Rusizi,” one resident explained.
They called on authorities to introduce stronger screening and health control measures instead of maintaining a complete shutdown of movement.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Health says no Ebola case has been confirmed in the country, but surveillance, testing, and monitoring have been intensified at border crossings connecting Rwanda and the DRC.
Since the latest Ebola outbreak resurfaced in eastern Congo, at least 131 deaths linked to the disease have reportedly been recorded.
