Strategic DR Congo–Burundi crossing resumes operations after two months of closure

The Kavimvira border crossing linking Uvira in South Kivu with Bujumbura has reopened after Congolese authorities regained control of the area.

The post, closed since December 2025 following the Rwanda-backed M23 seizure of Uvira, will operate daily from 5am to 5pm.

Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, Governor of South Kivu, said the security threat was “significantly reduced” after rebel forces withdrew on 18 January 2026.

Key developments:

• Land and lake borders with Burundi account for nearly 50% of South Kivu’s economy, according to Governor Purusi.

• The corridor connects to Indian Ocean ports including Dar es Salaam and Mombasa.

• Around 400,000 displaced people live in the area; over one million reside in the Ruzizi Plain.

• 4,000 tonnes of food aid from the World Food Programme are expected.

Other Burundi–DR Congo crossings in AFC/M23-controlled zones remain closed.

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Burundian civilians trapped in Uvira following the closure of the border between the DRC and Burundi. ©AFP or licensors
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Strategic DR Congo–Burundi crossing resumes operations after two months of closure
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