Burundi reopens Gatumba–Kavimvira border crossing with Uvira

The Government of Burundi has reopened the Gatumba–Kavimvira border post this Monday, February 23, ending a two-month closure that followed escalating insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Burundi had shut down the Gatumba border crossing on December 10, 2025, shortly after fighters from the AFC/M23 rebel movement captured the city of Uvira, the second-largest city in South Kivu Province. The decision was taken amid heightened security concerns along the common border.

The reopening was confirmed following discussions between immigration authorities from both sides. The head of immigration services in Kavimvira, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, held talks with the Director General of Burundi’s immigration services, Maurice Mbonimpa.

According to officials, normal immigration requirements will apply. “All standard entry and exit procedures must be respected, including visas and other required travel documents,” an official statement noted.

Authorities also announced that the border will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A statement from Burundi’s immigration services indicated that individuals currently in Burundi are free to cross the border “calmly and without hindrance” starting today.

The reopening was first announced on Sunday by the Governor of South Kivu Province, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, while he was in Uvira.