Members of the general public have expressed concerns that Burundi has not yet permitted Rwandans to cross while passengers crossing through Gatuna, Cyanika and the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are required to present passports or Laissez-Passez yet they would only present a simplified travel document known as ‘jetton’ valid for a day, before borders closure.
The reopening of land borders is part of resolutions of the cabinet meeting held on Friday 4th March 2022, chaired by President Paul Kagame.
The resolution read that the land borders would be opened effective from Monday 7th March 2022. However, there have been some issues at different border points that irked passengers on the first day.
The border with Burundi seemed not opened while passengers crossing on the side of DRC have been asked to present Visa instead of the usual ‘jetton’.
On the side of Uganda, passengers are being asked to present negative COVID-19 PCR test results yet they had opted for Rapid Test.
Speaking to RBA, the Minister of Local Government, Jean Marie Vianney Gatabazi explained that the majority of reasons behind these issues do not concern Rwanda.
“Even though Rwanda decided to reopen borders, the implementation is done in consideration of other measures taken by other countries concerned with the development,” he said.
“We allow Rwandans to cross into other countries for various reasons, be it businesses or visits among others. A passenger crossing Rwanda’s land border, is requested to be fully vaccinated having received three doses or two for those who have not reached time to get the booster shot. Besides, he/she must possess travel documents. Some passengers are required to present passport, national identification card or jetton,” Minister Gatabazi added.
He explained that the decision to allow passengers to cross borders with a jetton at borders between Rwanda and DRC needs to be discussed between both countries.
Minister Gatabazi has however revealed that Rwanda has already expressed its views in favour of passengers with a jetton.
He disclosed that the COVID-19 PCR test results are compulsory on Ugandan side that Rwanda is only requesting Rapid Test.
Minister Gatabazi said that Uganda is requesting passengers crossing through Gatuna and Cyanika borders to present PCR test results for those living far from the border while citizens living nearby these borders are required to be at least two vaccine dose recipients and present Rapid Test results.
IGIHE journalist visited the border with Burundi on Monday morning but passengers had not yet started crossing awaiting clearance on the side of Burundi.
On the side of Rwanda, there have been enough preparations to serve passengers in adherence to ongoing COVID-19 preventive measures.
Citizens found at the border awaiting travel clearance have told IGIHE that it the reopening was long overdue.
Juvénal Nzabukana said that he used to cross to Burundi for various reasons before the onset of COVID-19.
“I had a business of selling bed sheets in Bujumbura before COVID-19. The pandemic emerged by the time I had come to Rwanda to visit relatives. I stayed in Rwanda because borders were later closed. I have come here so that I can cross to Burundi among first passengers because the country accommodates relatives. I am currently hard up because my business halted but I intend to cross immediately and resume my business soon as we are given go ahead,” he said.
As IGIHE visited the border with Burundi on Monday, citizens from Ngoma sector neighbouring with Burundi had been cleared on Rwandan side and received a jetton but Burundian immigration officials asked them to keep waiting.
“I received a jetton on Rwandan side. Arriving on the side of Burundi, Policemen asked me to come back that they have not yet received an order to allow incoming passengers. We are still waiting for the reopening of the border,” Nsengimana Yussuf said.
Minister Gatabazi has explained that Burundian side is waiting for Government’s decision on the matter.
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