Ebola closure cuts off lifeline between DRC’s Goma and Rwanda

The border crossing between Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Gisenyi in Rwanda, once a bustling hub for traders and travelers, now stands empty. Authorities closed the Petite Barrière crossing on May 17, the day after confirming an Ebola case in Goma, severing a critical trade route that sustained thousands of livelihoods.

Murielle Ihora, a mother of three who sold tomatoes, was among those turned away. She used to cross daily to buy produce in Rwanda for resale in Goma. Now, she travels to distant villages to find stock, a common struggle for residents whose daily trade depends on cross-border commerce. World Bank estimates from 2015 indicated that 20,000 to 30,000 people crossed this post daily, many involved in small-scale trade.

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On May 17, with my two baskets, I was getting ready to cross into Rwanda to buy some tomatoes to resell here in Goma. On my arrival, I was told that the crossing had been suspended by the Rwandan authorities.

While Rwanda imposed health restrictions, including barring travelers from the DRC, some health experts challenge the efficacy of such measures. The World Health Organization's director general has stated that border closures are not recommended during Ebola outbreaks, as they are ineffective and cause significant harm. Health policy analyst Dr. Elie Bajo supports this view, emphasizing that surveillance at entry points is a more effective tool than outright closures for limiting transmission.

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In the event of an epidemic, there is what is known as surveillance, which is carried out in several ways. This takes place mainly at points of entry and checkpoints. It’s like airports, roadblocks and other border crossings.