The Government of Rwanda has temporarily closed border crossing points between Rubavu District and Goma city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), halting movement between Gisenyi and Goma as of Sunday morning, May 17, 2026.
The closure was confirmed by residents who arrived at the border early in the morning and found all entry and exit operations suspended.
The decision comes amid reports from Goma of two suspected Ebola cases, according to a medical source who spoke to local journalists. Laboratory tests are ongoing to establish whether the cases are confirmed.
As of Sunday, no official statement had been issued by Rwandan authorities or local administration in Goma explaining the temporary suspension of cross-border movement.
Public health observers suggest the measure may be precautionary, given the high level of daily cross-border movement between Gisenyi and Goma, one of the busiest transit points in the Great Lakes region.
The development also comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) continues to strengthen surveillance and response measures following Ebola outbreaks in parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, including the Bundibugyo strain.
