Burundi has reopened its Gatumba border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from the town of Uvira following a long period of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Minister of Public Health Thaddée Ndikumana explained this move by the great influx of people at this border compared to the other borders saying that any case that comes in is screened, so there is no risk.
He added that in relation to the quarantine at Bujumbura International Airport, they have issued recommendations that have been submitted to the High Authority.
According to the local media, all foreigners entering Burundi through the Gatumba border will have to pay US$30 for the COVID-19 test while Congolese living in Burundi will be allowed to return to the DRC through this border free of charge.
Chantal Nsabimana, a Burundian is returning home after being stranded in DRC. She says she has been blocked for a year and three months from leaving the DRC because the borders were closed while on a family visit in Uvira (eastern Congo).
Another Congolese trader said the reopening is not going to help them as they cannot cross the border since they don’t have that $30 for the mandatory Covid-19 test for non-Burundians.
The Gatumba border was closed in March 2020 as part of the fight against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Meanwhile, on the DRC side, the Kavimvira border has been reopened since August 2020.
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