The closure of border crossings between Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Gisenyi in Rwanda continues to send shockwaves through the local economy. Traders, street vendors, and business owners report immediate and severe impacts on their daily operations.

The Rwandan government implemented strict border controls and sealed off all entry points to curb Ebola transmission. While the health rationale is clear, the economic consequences for Goma’s population are becoming impossible to ignore.

The plight of street vendors

Jacques Safari, a long-time street vendor selling eggs near the Goma border, has seen his income plummet since the closure. His daily customer base—once numbering up to five egg cartons—has dwindled to barely two.

“Most of my customers were travelers crossing the border regularly. Without them, my sales have dropped dramatically,” he explained. “The economic strain from the border closure is making life even harder for people already struggling.”

Wholesale traders face logistical nightmares

At Birere Market, wholesale traders are grappling with severe supply chain disruptions. Hamuli Kasilembo, a wholesaler, points to the breakdown of once-smooth trade flows with Rwanda.

“Before the closure, we could restock quickly and efficiently. Now, logistics are chaotic, and money circulation has slowed to a crawl,” he said. “Transactions are fewer, and prices are climbing.”

Economic experts warn of deeper fallout

Economists like Alphonse Muanda highlight the critical role of cross-border trade between Goma and Gisenyi in sustaining local livelihoods. Many small businesses rely entirely on daily transactions to meet basic needs.

“The closure disproportionately affects the most vulnerable—those who depend on quick, informal trade to survive,” Muanda noted. “Without these exchanges, entire neighborhoods face growing food and income insecurity.”

With the Rwandan border still closed under health precautions, residents of Goma fear the economic downturn will only worsen in the coming weeks.