Rwanda closes Rubavu-Goma border temporarily amid Ebola outbreak concerns in eastern DRC

The restrictions took effect on Sunday morning, with only Rwandan citizens returning home and Congolese nationals heading back to the DRC allowed to cross after mandatory health screening.

Security and health officials have also reinforced monitoring along illegal crossing routes commonly known as “panya” to prevent unauthorized movement across the border.

Rubavu District Mayor Prosper Mulindwa confirmed the temporary closure and urged residents to comply fully with the measures, warning against attempts to use unofficial routes.

He said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure aimed at protecting public health and preventing any possible spread of the virus into Rwanda.

“Residents should understand and respect these measures because they are in the interest of all of us,” Mulindwa said.

Authorities emphasized that no Ebola case has been confirmed in Rwanda and stressed that the measures are purely preventive.

The latest Ebola outbreak has been reported in Ituri Province in eastern DRC, where dozens of deaths and hundreds of infections have reportedly been recorded. Concerns have also emerged over possible suspected cases in Goma, a densely populated city bordering Rwanda, prompting heightened vigilance from health authorities.