Gatumba-Kavimvira Border Crossing Reopens After Two Months

Uvira-Gatumba, February 23, 2026 - The border crossing between Uvira in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gatumba in Burundi officially reopened this Monday, more than two months after being closed due to the AFC/M23 conflict. The closure, imposed by Burundi following the occupation of Uvira by AFC/M23 rebels, disrupted trade and travel between the two countries. No official ceremony marked the reopening, but both sides agreed to allow free passage for travelers. The head of migration services in Kavimvira (DRC), after discussions with the Burundian Commissioner General of Migration, Maurice Mbonimpa, emphasized that standard migration formalities-including visas and necessary documents-remain mandatory. The border will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The reopening brought relief to residents and traders on both sides. A Congolese trader said, “I do small-scale trading in Uvira, go to Luvumera in Bujumbura to buy goods, and today I can return as usual. We thank our authorities and those of Burundi for listening to our pleas.” Burundian citizens expressed similar satisfaction. One resident commented, “The reopening of the border is a huge relief for most of us. Our lives depend on our brotherly and friendly countries.” The reopening was announced in Uvira on Sunday by the Governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, signaling a step toward restoring normalcy after the recent conflict-induced disruptions.