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| Above is Rubavu (Rwanda) and below is Goma (DR Congo). As clearly seen from this aerial photo, the demarcation line separates Congolese homes from palatial residences on the Rwanda side, many of which are occupied by Congolese nationals |
Kivu, DRC
Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) has issued directive barring anyone employed by
government from staying in Rwanda – adding yet another layer to increasing
border controls.
The country’s immigration
directorate (DGM) in North Kivu, has this Tuesday written to all heads of
government agencies to ensure none of their staff resides outside DRC border.
Rwanda’s Rubavu district
bordering Goma and Rusizi against Bukavu in South Kivu, have for years been
home to Congolese unsure what could happen anytime.
In addition, with the presence of
thousands of aid workers and UN employees, accommodation was had to come by.
Rubavu and Rusizi have boomed as a result, as they have not only provided a
safe haven, but also all the amenities of life.
For example, more than 100,000
litres of fresh water are ferried from Rubavu across to Goma every day. Even
Congolese requiring HIV/Aids medication, some get their doses from inside
Rwanda.
To be closer to services, many
North Kivu officials and able ordinary Congolese reside in Rwanda. They trek
daily back to Congo every morning for work.
The immigration directorate says
a written permission will be required at border from any government employee
traversing to Rwanda. The document will indicate specific details of what
exactly they are coming to Rwanda for.
The new border control comes
after expensive visa fee was imposed on Rwandans travelling to Goma. Since last
week, no Rwandan students are also allowed to cross to Goma unless they have
student visas.
The new changes also come as
Congo, specifically, North Kivu is struggling to recover from a devastating
ebola epidemic. Up to 2,000 people have been killed.
The border controls take
immediate effect from today September 10, 2019.
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