This influx is largely attributed to the reopening of land and water routes, which had been restricted due to the conflict.
The main border points, Grande Barrière (La Corniche), Petite Barrière, and Kabuhanga, now operate from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, significantly improving trade and movement.
Before COVID-19, over 50,000 people crossed these borders daily, with Grande Barrière running 24/7. However, when the M23 conflict erupted, Kinshasa imposed strict border regulations, limiting access from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Following M23's capture of Goma, border restrictions were lifted, allowing freer movement of people and goods. This change has revitalized economic activity, particularly benefiting small-scale traders who had previously faced monopolistic restrictions.
Françoise Muhorakeye, a trader from Gisenyi, shared her relief, "Before, Congolese traders controlled everything. We couldn't sell directly to buyers and had to leave our goods with intermediaries, who paid us whatever they wanted, often causing losses."
Ange Gabriella Uwimana echoed similar sentiments, "Now, I can buy vegetables for Frw2,000 across the border, sell them for Frw4,000, and return for more without worrying about time limits. I can now provide for my children and save money, unlike before when intermediaries took most of the profits."
Rubavu District's Vice Mayor for Economic Development, Nzabonimpa Deogratias, confirmed that the increased hours and improved trade conditions have driven the rise in border traffic.
"Currently, around 38,000 people use these borders daily. This proves that time is money, and lost time is costly. The numbers have grown from 20,000 after COVID-19, showing that trade between Rubavu and Goma is thriving again."
He also highlighted how the improved movement has benefited hospitality businesses in Gisenyi, as more Goma residents visit for leisure and return without time constraints.
Encouraging investors to capitalize on the economic growth, he concluded, "There is demand, but the market is struggling to meet it. I urge businesspeople to invest because people need goods and services."
IGIHE
