GOMA, DR Congo, Feb. 23 — The border post between Uvira in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Gatumba in neighboring Burundi officially reopened on Monday after more than two months of closure.
The crossing was shut down by Burundian authorities on Dec. 10 when Uvira fell under the control of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, cutting off a key transit point for traders and residents on both sides of the border.
In January 2026, the DRC government took back control of Uvira, the second-largest city of South Kivu province.
Uvira had served as the provisional administrative center after the provincial capital, Bukavu, fell to the M23 in February 2025.
Authorities from both countries agreed to resume cross-border movement under regular procedures, according to local media.
“Those currently in Burundi can cross today in complete tranquility,” said a statement from migration authorities cited by local media. (Namiba Daily News/Xinhua)
