Burundi: Authorities re-open border with Rwanda effective Oct. 22.

Event

The Ministry of the Interior of Burundi announced on Oct. 22 that all its land borders were now open. The only closed border had, until Oct. 22, been with Rwanda. This follows Rwanda opening its borders to Burundi in March 2022. This is the first time the border has been open on both sides since 2015. Burundi also shares land borders with the DRC and Tanzania.

Officials will likely maintain heightened security measures, including deploying additional personnel, along the border. Lingering cross-border disruptions, supply chain disruptions, and shipping delays remain probable as border officials implement the new directive.

Context

Burundi had initially closed its borders with Rwanda in 2015 over diplomatic issues. Burundian authorities accused Rwanda of harboring members of the 2015 coup in Burundi, which Rwandan President Paul Kagame has refused to hand back. This had previously been a sine qua non-prerequisite to fully restoring relations. The opening of land borders is a further step in the easing of relations between both countries.

Advice

Reconfirm the status of border crossings before traveling or processing cargo shipments through the area. Reconfirm flights before onward travel. Heed the advice of authorities, including officers at security checkpoints. Ensure all travel and vehicle documents are in order.