The Mayor of Rubavu District, Prosper Mulindwa, has reassured the public about the safety and security of all residents and visitors during the festive season in the bustling tourism and business hub bordering DR Congo. The lakeside city is expecting an influx of holidaymakers from within the country and across the border during the festive season. Speaking to The New Times, Mulindwa emphasised that preparations for the festive season began early, with meetings held with stakeholders in the hospitality industry, security personnel, and other relevant parties. ALSO READ: Rwanda-DR Congo border sees surge in people movement We had specific meetings with security personnel to ensure no gaps in security at the border and within the district, both day and night, he said, expressing confidence in the border's security. Our borders are secured.” Addressing concerns about the ongoing conflict in neighbouring DR Congo and its potential impact on cross-border trade, the mayor stated that the situation remains relatively calm. I have not received any border-related cases or any other cases involving our population from Goma town in the last five months, he added. Residents like Ismael Maniriho from Cyanzarwe Sector echoed the mayor's sentiments, expressing confidence in border safety and looking forward to a peaceful festive season. We are sure of our security at the border; there is no doubt that we will celebrate this festive season in safety Maniriho said. Sekabuga Fidel and Faustin Nsabimana, residents of Busasamana Sector, attributed the prevailing calm to effective collaboration with Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) at the border. Our army is always ready to respond to any emergency, said Sekabuga. We collaborate closely and are committed to maintaining safety during the festive season. The presence of security is evident in various events being organised for the festive season, including the ongoing Western Province Expo Beach 2024 at Rubavu Public Beach, expected to attract thousands of visitors on Christmas Day. Rubavu is home to a significant number of Congolese people, including those working in Goma and residing in Rwanda, as well as those running businesses and attending schools in the district. ALSO: How Rubavu port is set to reshape cross-border trade with DR Congo The Petite Barrière and Grand Barrière land border posts, among the busiest globally, connect Rwanda and DR Congo. Figures from the district show that the movement of people crossing the borders increased to over 20,000 people from 4,000 people during the COVID-19 pandemic period when business was disrupted. Prior to the pandemic, approximately 40,000 to 50,000 people used to cross the busiest land border in Africa.
