Closure of Ebola border reduces vital transportation link between DRCs Goma and Rwanda

Border Closure Between DRC and Rwanda Disrupts Trade and Livelihoods

A border crossing between Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Gisenyi, Rwanda, has been closed since May 16 due to a confirmed Ebola case in Goma. The closure has significantly impacted the daily trade and livelihoods of thousands of people who rely on this route.

The border was once a bustling hub with traders and travelers moving back and forth each day. However, with the announcement of the Ebola case, authorities have suspended crossing operations, cutting off a vital trade route for many residents. Murielle Ihora, a mother of three, was among those affected. She had been traveling to Rwanda to buy fresh produce at competitive prices to resell in Goma but was turned back on May 17 due to the border closure.

According to World Bank estimates from 2015, between 20,000 and 30,000 people crossed the Petite Barrière border post in Goma every day, many of them engaged in small-scale trade. The closure has disrupted this trade, with traders like Furaha Kiza and Fatuma Mapendo reporting sharp reductions in sales.

Health officials have defended the restrictions, citing concerns about the spread of Ebola. However, some health experts argue that border closures may not be an effective response to the outbreak. Dr. Elie Bajo, a health policy analyst, suggests that surveillance and monitoring at points of entry are more effective tools in preventing transmission.

The closure has had a significant impact on the livelihoods of many residents, with some traveling to neighboring villages to source their stock. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its stance that border closures during Ebola outbreaks can cause significant harm and are not recommended as a primary response measure.

Source: Al Jazeera