Minister of Local Government Dominique Habimana has urged cross‑border traders to continue respecting health guidelines against Ebola, while reassuring citizens that business will go on as usual since Rwanda has no Ebola cases.
Habimana explained that trade between Rwanda and eastern DRC will continue, but under strict preventive measures. Traders operate through cooperatives, pooling goods that cross the border and are received on the other side. This system, used during Covid‑19, ensures commerce flows without endangering lives.
The Minister stressed that all activities across Rwanda continue normally, with no outbreak in the country. State Minister in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Yvan Butera, added that Rwanda has already implemented measures to prevent Ebola from entering via DRC or Uganda. Screening has been reinforced at borders and Kigali International Airport.
On May 22, 2026, the World Health Organization reported 750 suspected Ebola cases and 177 deaths in eastern DRC. The outbreak has hit Mongbwalu, Rwampara, and Bunia in Ituri, with cases also appearing in Goma and Bukavu near Rwanda’s border. Uganda confirmed one death and another patient in Kampala who is recovering.
Habimana called on citizens to work closely with local authorities to ensure preventive measures are respected. “We are ready to keep supporting people so their activities continue. The key is to implement prevention measures properly,” he said.
