Trade, healthcare, and families in Uvira struggle as the Burundi crossing remains shut
In Uvira, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, everyday life has slowed down dramatically since 10 December, when the border with Burundi was closed. Streets that were once busy with traders and transporters are now quiet, and many families are struggling to cope.
The main problem is the shutdown of cross-border trade. Before the closure, hundreds of people crossed daily between Kavimvira (on the Congolese side) and Gatumba (on the Burundian side). They traded food, clothes, medicine, and other goods. This trade was the main source of income for many households in Uvira.
Small traders like Scolastique Mushota say they depended heavily on Bujumbura, which is less than 30 kilometers away. They would sell goods there and bring back supplies to sell in Uvira. Now, without access to Bujumbura, many businesses have collapsed, and families are struggling to afford basic necessities.
The closure is also affecting healthcare. Many residents used to take sick relatives to Bujumbura for better or more specialized treatment. According to local traders, some people are now dying because they cannot access proper medical care across the border. Even though Congolese authorities regained control of Uvira after fighters from AFC/M23 briefly entered the town in December, medical services remain limited.
Beyond trade and health, the border is deeply connected to people’s personal lives. Many families live on both sides. Children study across the border, and mixed marriages are common. Since some families fled to Burundi during the December fighting, the continued closure is preventing children from returning home and resuming school.
Burundi officially closed the Gatumba border post for security reasons after the rebel group entered Uvira. Although the situation has since calmed down, the crossing remains shut.
Local civil society members are calling for the border to reopen, saying it is not just a checkpoint but a lifeline for economic survival and social stability. While residents understand the need for security, they believe a balance must be found between safety and the daily needs of the population.
For now, uncertainty continues in Uvira. Shops are empty, incomes are shrinking, and many families are waiting and hoping for the border to reopen.
SOURCE : AFRICANEWS
