Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo have escalated again after Kigali decided to close border crossings in Rubavu and Rusizi districts following the resurgence of Ebola in eastern Congo.
The move came shortly after an Ebola patient was identified in the border city of Goma and later died from the virus, raising fears among Rwandan health authorities about the possibility of cross-border transmission.
Health officials in DR Congo say the outbreak has already claimed more than 131 lives, while over 500 suspected cases have been recorded across affected regions.
Although Rwanda described the border closure as a preventive public health measure aimed at protecting its population, Congolese authorities reacted angrily, arguing that the decision contradicts international health regulations.
DR Congo’s Health Minister, Roger Kamba, told reporters that Rwanda had no legal basis to shut down its borders during an epidemic.
He stated: “Rwanda does not have the right to close its borders. International health regulations do not allow border closures during an outbreak. Movement of people and goods should continue while public health measures are strengthened.”
His remarks triggered debate across the region, with some observers defending Rwanda’s sovereign right to protect its citizens, while others warned that shutting borders could severely disrupt trade and daily life for communities living along the frontier.
Congolese Government Spokesperson and Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya also criticized Kigali’s decision, insisting there was no justification for Rwanda to close the crossings.
Muyaya further argued that in order for Ebola containment measures in Goma to succeed, “Rwandans and those working with them” should leave Congolese territory.
The comments have intensified political tensions between the two neighboring countries, whose relations have already been strained for years over insecurity in eastern Congo and repeated political accusations exchanged between Kigali and Kinshasa.
As criticism from Congo mounted, Rwanda’s Ministry of Health reassured the public that no Ebola case had been detected inside Rwanda.
The ministry nevertheless emphasized that surveillance and screening measures at border points had been significantly reinforced to prevent any possible spread of the virus.
In a statement, the ministry said: “Health workers remain on high alert and disease surveillance systems have been strengthened to ensure early detection and rapid response if necessary.”
Rwandan authorities also stressed that they would continue cooperating with both domestic and international partners to safeguard public health and contain any potential threat linked to the outbreak.
The closure has already affected thousands of cross-border traders and residents who depend on daily movement between Goma and Rubavu as well as Bukavu and Rusizi for business and family activities.
Analysts warn that the Ebola crisis could deepen tensions between the two countries if both sides fail to quickly agree on coordinated measures that protect public health without crippling regional trade and mobility.
Previous Ebola outbreaks have repeatedly alarmed the Great Lakes region because of the heavy movement of people between DR Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi.
For now, Rwanda maintains that the border closure is temporary and necessary to protect its population, while Congolese authorities insist the measure should be lifted in accordance with international health rules.
