Burundians Mourn as Ruhwa Border with Rwanda Remains Closed

On March 5, 2026, residents of Cibitoke commune in Bujumbura Province, Burundi, expressed frustration and mourning after the Burundian government failed to reopen its border with Rwanda, breaking earlier promises. The border closure has severely affected trade and daily life. Before the closure, Burundians exported fruits and vegetables such as lemons, oranges, mangoes, tangerines, and tomatoes to Rwanda, earning significant income. Residents now report higher costs for basic necessities in Burundi compared to Rwanda. “While the border was still open, we used to export products to Rwanda… This money helped us survive,” said a local resident of Ruhwa village. The closure has also split families, preventing Burundians and Rwandans who are blood relatives from visiting one another across the border. The head of Ruhwa village, Nsengiyumva Révocat, highlighted the human impact, emphasizing that many families remain separated due to the government’s decision. Burundians in Ruhwa are calling on their government to negotiate with Rwanda to reopen the border, restore trade, and allow familial visits, hoping to return to previous levels of economic and social interaction.