DR Congo: Residents of Uvira call for urgent reopening of border with Burundi
Since Sun, Dec 10, 2023, the closure of the border between Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi has significantly impacted daily life and the local economy. The once-bustling streets of Uvira have become deserted, reflecting the halt in…
Since Sun, Dec 10, 2023, the closure of the border between Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi has significantly impacted daily life and the local economy. The once-bustling streets of Uvira have become deserted, reflecting the halt in cross-border trade.
Before the border closure, a significant number of traders, transporters, and families engaged in daily cross-border activities at the Kavimvira (DRC) and Gatumba (Burundi) posts. These activities involved the exchange of foodstuffs, clothing, medicines, and manufactured goods, serving as a crucial economic resource for Uvira's population. The disruption has caused economic distress, affecting small-scale merchants who relied on trade with Bujumbura, the Burundian capital.
The border closure has also had severe health implications. Previously, residents of Uvira could access medical facilities in Bujumbura, which were often better equipped. The current restrictions have hindered access to necessary medical treatment, complicating the management of urgent health cases.
The border between Uvira and Gatumba is more than a trade route; it is a shared living space for many families with ties on both sides. The closure has disrupted mixed marriages, family connections, and cross-border schooling. Some families who sought refuge in Burundi due to recent security incidents are now unable to return, complicating the resumption of normal life.
Since Sun, Dec 10, 2023, the closure of the border between Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi has significantly impacted daily life and the local economy.
In December, Burundi closed its land border post at Gatumba following the entry of AFC/M23 fighters into Uvira. Despite the withdrawal of these fighters and the resumption of administrative activities in Uvira, the border remains closed, maintaining a sense of uncertainty among local residents.
Local civil society members are advocating for the reopening of the border, emphasizing its importance for economic development and social cohesion. While security concerns are acknowledged, there is a compelling need to balance state protection with the livelihood of the people.
The prolonged closure continues to exacerbate vulnerabilities among households dependent on cross-border trade, leaving many without means to sustain their livelihoods.
Based on reporting by Africanews.
