KIREHE - A delegation of Burundian local leaders, over the weekend, visited Kirehe and Ngoma districts as part of the ongoing efforts to end illegal movements along the porous Rwanda-Burundi border.

Led by Laurent Nduwimana, the Mayor of Giteranyi District in Muyinga Province, the team comprised Police and army officers, mayors and other local leaders.

The Ngoma District Mayor, Francois Ntiyotwagira, reiterated the need to secure the country’s borders so as to check cross border crimes.

He said that the two countries are affected equally, which is why, they need to jointly come up with a lasting solution.

"The misery involved is unimaginable…people cross the rivers and lakes on makeshift bridges. The risk is big and at least two people die daily while trying to cross over,” he said.

Protais Murayira, the Mayor of Kirehe District, said authorities were overwhelmed by the porous borders.
He noted that drugs, illicit alcohol, thieves, smugglers etc, have over 20 illegal entry points.

"We are at cross-roads, with increasing crimes at the porous border posts. We are discussing with our Burundian neighbours modalities to overcome the problem,” he said.
Laurent Nduwimana, who led the Burundian delegation, said illegal migrants could pose insecurity.

"For the good of all of us, it is imperative that we forge a situation that does not favour criminal activities. I am happy that we have come up with solutions,” he said.

Both officials agreed to allow only two entry points, and create a common market at the border.

Ends