Rwanda Closes Border with DRC Over Ebola Outbreak Concerns
Rwanda has closed its border with the DRC in Rubavu District following a severe Ebola outbreak. Read about the strict health screenings and travel restrictions.
In a swift move to safeguard public health, Rwandan authorities have officially closed the border crossings connecting the Rubavu District with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The decision comes in response to a newly reported outbreak of the Ebola virus in the neighboring country.
The Rubavu District leadership confirmed to UMUSEKE that the border closure took effect on Sunday morning, May 17, 2026. The measure aims to halt non-essential cross-border movement and prevent the deadly virus from crossing into Rwanda.
According to the Mayor of Rubavu District, Prosper Mulindwa, citizens of both nations who are currently abroad will still be allowed to return home under strict health supervision
"A Rwandan citizen always retains the right to return home, just as a Congolese citizen has the right to return to their country," Mayor Mulindwa stated. "When they arrive at the border checkpoints, they are received by health officials who conduct thorough medical screenings."
The Mayor emphasized that all returning individuals must undergo rigorous medical checks to ensure they do not exhibit symptoms of Ebola. In tandem with the screenings, hygiene and sanitation protocols have been heavily reinforced at the border posts, alongside a public awareness campaign to educate locals about the disease.
Local residents have been strongly urged to report any individuals showing potential symptoms of Ebola immediately. Mayor Mulindwa also advised Rwandans to suspend non-essential travel to the DRC and remain within the country while health authorities monitor the situation.
The heightened alert follows reports over the weekend confirming an initial Ebola case in the Ituri Province of northeastern DRC, which quickly grew into a larger cluster of infections.
Data released on Saturday by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) paints a sobering picture of the situation, confirming 336 active cases and 87 recorded deaths. Unconfirmed reports also suggest that cases of the virus may have already reached the strategic border city of Goma, which directly adjoins Rwanda's Rubavu District.
