Burundi nationals call for opening of new borders

EASTERN PROVINCE NGOMA — Burundians have called upon the Rwandan government to grant them three new borders that will help them ease movement into the country. The call was made yesterday by Lauren Nduwimana, Burundi’s Mayor of Giteranyi Commune in Muyinga Province. Nduwimana headed a six man delegation that met with leaders of Ngoma district. The meeting was aimed at looking for the ways in which both parties can enhance tight security and continue with their partnership. Currently, there is only one border in the Eastern Province recognized by the government of Rwanda. It is called Nemba border in Bugesera district. There were however other twelve un recognized borders commonly known as ‘ibyambu’ which were closed in Ngoma and Kirehe districts two months ago following an overwhelming in-flow of Burundi nationals. Ngoma Mayor François Niyotwagira told the delegates that ‘ibyambu’ were closed for security purposes. Col. Emmanuel Karemera the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) representative in Ngoma, Kirehe, Kayonza and Rwamagana districts said, “Though both countries are friendly, there should be proper channels of entry and exit. What we want is to sort out things that may with time tarnish our friendship.” On the Burundi’s side, they agreed that security is the basis of everything but requested for the twelve borders closed. Ends