Rwanda-Burundi: Catholic Bishops Express Hope for Reopening of Closed Borders

Kigali March 12, 2026 - Catholic bishops from Rwanda and Burundi have expressed hope that land borders between the two countries, closed since January 2024, will soon reopen, allowing the resumption of cross-border travel and trade. The remarks came during a joint meeting of the two countries’ episcopal conferences held in Kigali from March 9 to 11, 2026. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and addressing challenges facing local populations, particularly Christian communities. Speaking to the press, Joachim Ntahondereye, Bishop of Muyinga Diocese and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Burundi, urged believers not to lose hope despite the prolonged border closure. He emphasized that the situation is temporary, noting that “the reasons behind the closure will eventually come to an end,” and that people will once again be able to “travel and cooperate as before.” He also encouraged those with the means to continue using air travel, which remains operational, as a way to maintain exchanges of ideas and promote development and peace between the two nations. Meanwhile, Antoine Kambanda, Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Rwanda, highlighted the symbolic importance of the meeting. He noted that the Burundian delegation had arrived in Kigali by air, demonstrating that ties between the two countries remain intact despite ongoing tensions. “This is strong evidence that we must work together to find solutions, in a spirit of understanding, because it is in our interest to live in harmony rather than in conflict,” he said. Burundi closed its land borders citing security concerns. Although air traffic between the two countries has since resumed, trade and the movement of people remain significantly disrupted.