Border Closure Between Goma and Gisenyi: Ebola Measures Threaten Cross-Border Trade BODY: In Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the once bustling border post at Petite Barrière, a hub for trade and travel between Goma and Rwanda’s Gisenyi, now stands quiet and desolate.
The closure of this vital crossing, imposed following a confirmed Ebola case in Goma on May 16, has dealt a severe blow to the livelihoods of thousands who depend on cross-border trade. Murielle Ihora, a mother of three and a tomato seller, is among those affected. “I used to cross the border daily to buy tomatoes at low prices in Rwanda, reselling them in Goma for a profit.
Now, I have to travel to neighboring villages, doubling my costs, “she laments.
The economic impact is profound. World Bank estimates from 2015 suggest that up to 30,000 people crossed the Petite Barrière border post daily, many involved in small-scale trade.
The closure has disrupted this vibrant trade corridor, which supports an estimated $1 billion in trade annually, according to Business Times Uganda. For traders like Furaha Kiza, who supports six children through a lemon-selling business, the closure has been devastating. “We’ve had nothing to do since the borders were closed.
We used to cross over to collect parcels of our choice, which we would then sell here, “she explains. Health experts, however, argue that border closures are not an effective response to contain the virus. Dr Elie Bajo, a health policy analyst, advocates for surveillance and screening at entry points rather than complete border closures. “.
Monitoring and screening travellers is more effective than shutting borders altogether, “he asserts.
The closure has also raised concerns among leaders of the M23 armed group, which controls parts of eastern DRC. They claim there are no confirmed Ebola cases in areas under their control and call for the border to reopen.
As the Ebola outbreak continues to unfold, the economic and social disruptions in Goma and the surrounding region are likely to persist, highlighting the challenges African countries face in balancing public health concerns with economic development.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: aljazeera
Source: Prosper Heri Ngorora
