Rwandan authorities have intensified health screenings and tightened movement along the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo as a deadly Ebola outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain continues to spread across the region. At least 131 people have died and 531 suspected infections have been reported in eastern DR Congo, prompting the World Health Organization to declare an international public health emergency.
At border crossings near the Congolese city of Goma, health workers are checking temperatures and screening travellers entering Rwanda.
The measures come amid fears that the outbreak could spread further across East Africa. Rwanda has also restricted cross-border movement since the outbreak was confirmed.
Residents in Rwanda’s Rubavu district say the tighter controls are affecting livelihoods and disrupting trade.
“We would like the government to find a solution so that we can transport our goods normally across the border while still taking precautions,” said local trader Nsengiyaremye Kigendi.
