Rusizi I and Rusizi II border crossings closed over Ebola outbreak concerns

By The Inspirer.

Authorities in Rusizi District have temporarily closed the Rusizi I and Rusizi II border crossings linking Rwanda with Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as preventive measures intensify following reports of an Ebola outbreak in the neighbouring country.

The closure took effect on the morning of May 18, 2026, and comes a day after Rwanda suspended movement at the Petite Barrière and Grande Barrière crossings between Rubavu and Goma over similar concerns.

At the Rusizi crossings, travellers attempting to cross in both directions were turned back as border operations were temporarily halted.

Rusizi District Mayor Sindayiheba Phanuel said the decision was taken to prevent the potential spread of Ebola into Rwanda, while maintaining targeted facilitation for essential categories of travellers.

He said students, humanitarian workers, food transporters and citizens returning home will continue to be assisted under strict health screening procedures.

Ebola is a highly infectious viral disease transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected persons, including blood, sweat, saliva, urine and vomit, as well as contaminated surfaces and materials.

Health authorities have urged the public to strictly observe preventive measures, including regular handwashing with soap and clean water, avoiding physical contact such as handshakes, limiting unnecessary travel—especially to affected areas—and seeking immediate medical attention for symptoms such as high fever, severe weakness, joint pain or unexplained bleeding.

The Ministry of Health has stated that no Ebola cases have been detected in Rwanda so far, despite confirmed outbreaks in parts of eastern DRC.

The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which was first identified in Uganda in 2007–2008 and has since been recorded in several outbreaks across the Great Lakes region.