April 27, 2020

COVID-19: Congolese Embassy Secures Exit for its Nationals Stranded in Rwanda


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DR Congo side of Petit Barriere, one of two border posts between Rubavu district (Rwanda) and Goma of DRC. Rwanda’s side is completely closed except for cargo

Some 253 Congolese nationals were on Sunday granted special permission to exit from Rwanda whose borders have been closed as part of COVID-19 control measures.

The DR Congo embassy in a Note Verbale sent to Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry on April 24 asked for travel of the Congolese who had been stranded in Rwanda yet they do not live here. The ones concerned are those who had been visiting families in Rwanda when border was suddenly closed, and those who were on transit through Rwanda.

Some work and live in Goma, while others in Bukavu – both key capitals of North and South Kuvu provinces, respectively.

On Sunday, a total of 167 Congolese crossed via Grande Barriere border in Rubavu district to Goma, as 86 crossed via Rusizi district to Bukavu.

Congo’s immigration department meanwhile says the special permission to exit Rwanda has been extended to any other nationals who would like to leave.

Rwanda closed its border on March 15 and imposed a total lockdown of the country to control the virus. At the time, case had just been confirmed.

As of this Sunday, there were 99 active cases including 8 new one recorded on same day. Four people went home on Sunday, making total of 92 recoveries. There are no deaths yet in Rwanda.

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