Uvira, DR Congo — Residents Demand Reopening of Border with Burundi. Uvira, DR Congo — The city of Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been experiencing economic and health challenges since the closure of its border with Burundi on December 10.
The halt in cross — border trade has severely impacted the local economy and access to healthcare, according to local sources.
Border Closure’s Economic Impact.
The closure has brought a halt to the bustling trade between Uvira and Burundi, once a vital economic lifeline for the region. Before the closure, hundreds of traders and transporters crossed the border daily, facilitating the exchange of goods and services.
The local economy has been hard hit as a result, with small — scale merchants and families struggling to meet their basic needs.
An Uvira saleswoman, Scolastique Mushota, expressed the economic hardship faced by many: “We are suffering greatly. We depended on Bujumbura.
Now, in Uvira, we are suffering greatly.”
Healthcare Access Compromised.
The border closure has also had a dramatic impact on healthcare.
Many families relied on medical facilities in Bujumbura, which are now inaccessible due to the border closure. This has led to complications in treating urgent cases and has exacerbated feelings of abandonment among residents.
Border’s Role in Community Life.
The border between Uvira and Gatumba is not just a trade route; it is also a shared living space for many families. Mixed marriages, family ties, and cross-border schooling are commonplace.
The closure is preventing many children from returning to their homes in Uvira to continue their education.
Call for Reopening. Local residents are calling for the border to be reopened, emphasizing its importance for both the economic and social development of the region.
Ghislain Baraiga Kabamba, a member of civil society, stated, “We can only call for the reopening of this border because it is part of life, both for the people of Congo and for the people of Burundi.”.
Uncertainty Persists. Despite the urgency expressed by residents, the border remains closed.
The situation is causing increasing vulnerability among households dependent on cross — border trade.
Hopes for a rapid reopening remain high, but uncertainty prevails. Further Details Expected.
The government has not yet commented on the possibility of reopening the border.
Further details are expected in the coming days.
