The government of Burundi has reopened its border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) after a two-month closure.
Officials from both countries confirmed that the Kavimvira border crossing resumed its operations on Monday, February 23, following more than two months shut after AFC/M23 forces took control of the city of Uvira in South Kivu Province.
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Located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, the Kavimvira border post is a vital commercial route linking Burundi’s economic capital—Bujumbura—with the Congolese city of Uvira.
Burundian authorities closed it in December when Congolese, AFC/M23 armed group advanced into Uvira.
Populations on both sides of the border had repeatedly called for its reopening, citing growing challenges—especially in access to healthcare. For many families in Uvira, medical facilities in Bujumbura offer a closer and often better-equipped alternative.
“People are dying because of a lack of care. Before, we would take a sick person to Bujumbura for treatment, but now the situation is disastrous because of the border closure,” said trader Julienne Mapendo.
Authorities in Uvira and a Burundian border police official confirmed to AFP that cross-border traffic resumed on Monday morning. Jean-Jacques Purusi, governor of South Kivu Province, said the crossing reopened at 8:00 a.m. local time.
In January, AFC/M23 withdrew from Uvira, citing a request from the United States, which has been mediating between the DRC and Rwanda amid the latest surge in violence.
With Congolese forces and allied troops, including Wazalendo, back in control of Uvira, officials said conditions were safe enough to reopen the border.
A Burundian police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said many Congolese nationals had already begun returning home.
However, other crossing points along the Burundi–DRC border remain closed in areas where AFC/M23 fighters are still active.
On the Rwandan side, the border with eastern DR Congo—where AFC/M23 maintains control—remains open. Authorities of AFC/M23 extended crossing hours since January 2025 to ease movement and support trade.
By contrast, the land borders between Burundi and Rwanda—often described as sister countries—remain closed, with no indication of reopening soon, as diplomatic relations between Kigali and Gitega continue to be strained.
