Rusizi-Bukavu border fully open
Cross boarder activities and business have resumed at the Rwanda-DRCongo boarder after weekend gunfire on DRC side of the border yesterday.
Speaking to KTPress, traders and residents on the Rusizi-Bukavu border said that movement resumed late on the Congo side as the border opened at 7.30.
The Congolese side is said to have delayed opening its border awaiting approval and security clearance from the government.
Both borders normally open at 6am. The Rwandan side had opened at the usual time but travellers had to wait for an hour for the neighbours to resume business.
“I woke up early to cross, but when we reached here we were told to wait until the Congo border opens. Now it looks we are safe,” one Rwandan said.
However, later in the morning traffic and traders started crossing into Rwanda and DR Congo, people in vehicles and on foot were seen crossing smoothly throughout the day.
The Mayor of Rusizi, Frederic Harelimana said that the closure had created losses for border traders but Rwanda had engaged Congo officials to have the security restored as soon as possible.
The Congolese residents who spoke to KT Press also said that they are safe and ready to welcome Rwandans as usual.
On Sunday morning a gun battle opened on the border as the Governor of South Kivu, Claude Nyamugabo, and police attempted to arrest the former provincial anti-smuggling Unit boss, Abbas Kayonga at his home in Muhumba island.
Additional: Ephraim Musabwa
