DRC-Burundi border reopens

Kinshasa, Feb 23 (Prensa Latina) The border crossing between the cities of Uvira, in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Gatumba, in Burundi, officially reopened on Monday after being closed for more than two months.

February 23, 2026
14:19

Burundian authorities blocked access in December when rebels of the Congo River Alliance-the March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) occupied Uvira; however, after the city’s surrender, they maintained the ban on movement.

The crossing was reopened this Monday, according to Actualite.CD, by agreement of both parties and without any official ceremony.

The head of migration services in Kavimvira (DRC), after meeting with Burundi’s Commissioner General of Immigration office, Mr. Maurice Mbonimpa, reiterated that “the usual migration procedures (visa and required documents) are mandatory as usual” and the border will be open every day from 8:00 hours to 17:00 hours (local time).

The Congolese media outlet highlighted the relief felt by residents on both sides of the border between the two countries, many of whom depend on trade or have family in the neighboring nation.

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