Since the group took control of Goma late January, the operating hours of the La Corniche border post had already been extended, running from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
However, the Governor of North Kivu Province appointed by AFC/M23, Bahati Musanga Erasto, announced that starting from Friday, September 19, 2025, the crossing will operate from 6:00 a.m. until midnight.
'All residents of North Kivu, particularly those in Goma, are informed that beginning Friday, September 19, 2025, the main border post will be open daily from 6:00 a.m. to midnight.'
Governor Bahati also instructed border service providers to comply with this new directive.
In July, authorities in Rubavu District noted that traffic across both the main and smaller border posts had significantly increased since M23 took control of Goma. Between 2020 and 2024, an average of 20,000 people crossed the border daily.
In 2025, that figure rose to 43,000 excluding those crossing through Kabuhanga, according to Rubavu District Mayor Prosper Mulindwa.
Users of the main and small border include traders, buyers, workers, visitors, and tourists traveling between the two sides.
IGIHE
