Burundi: Entry Ban Imposed on AFC-M23 Controlled Areas

• Burundi has implemented an entry ban for individuals who have been in or transited through AFC-M23 controlled areas in eastern DRC, effective October 2, 2026.
• The new policy, announced by Minister Léonidas Ndaruzaniye, specifically applies to Congolese citizens from these areas and United Nations personnel working there.
• Despite the immediate enforcement, no public legal texts detailing the measure's effective date, required documents, or exceptions have been released by Burundian authorities.
• Increased border controls, entry refusals, and reports of arrests have been observed at key crossings like Gatumba-Kavimvira and Kobero.
• This decision is made amid high regional tensions in eastern DRC, where Burundi has over 29,000 soldiers deployed in support of Kinshasa.

Despite the immediate implementation of these stringent measures, Burundian authorities have not yet released any public legal texts detailing the policy's effective date, required documentation, or potential exceptions.

Burundi has announced a significant tightening of its entry requirements, implementing a comprehensive Burundi entry ban AFC-M23 controlled areas. This new policy, declared by the Minister of the Interior, Community Development, and Public Security, Léonidas Ndaruzaniye, on a Thursday, October 2, 2026, prohibits individuals from entering Burundi if they originate from or have merely transited through territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that are under the control of the AFC-M23.

The scope of these Burundi travel restrictions DRC M23 is broad, extending not only to Congolese citizens residing in these affected areas but also specifically to United Nations personnel who have been working there. Minister Ndaruzaniye, speaking during a meeting with police officials in Bujumbura, unequivocally stated that Burundi stands as an ally to Kinshasa. He affirmed his unwavering resolve, noting that despite numerous appeals to reconsider or allow transit through Burundian territory, he would not reverse the decision, emphasizing the critical need for vigilance.

Following his address in Bujumbura, the minister is scheduled to continue these discussions with police officers across Burundi's four other provinces, with Gitega, the political capital, being the next planned stop. This firm stance underscores Burundi's commitment to its alliance with the DRC government amidst ongoing regional instability.

Despite the immediate implementation of these stringent measures, Burundian authorities have not yet released any public legal texts detailing the policy's effective date, required documentation, or potential exceptions. This lack of official guidance creates considerable uncertainty regarding the practical application of the Burundi immigration policy UN personnel and other affected travelers at border crossings.

Reports indicate a significant increase in Burundi border control DRC, with local sources observing heightened scrutiny targeting travelers from AFC-M23 controlled areas for several months. The Gatumba-Kavimvira border post, connecting Bujumbura and Uvira, which had been closed after the AFC-M23 took control of Uvira in December 2025, reopened on February 23, 2026, with immigration procedures resuming. However, incidents of entry refusals and arrests have been reported at this and other key crossings.

Further difficulties are being reported along the Kobero axis, which borders Tanzania, particularly for individuals from the sub-region attempting to reach Bujumbura or South Kivu. Relatives and local sources have also reported the disappearance of two businessmen from Kirundo for several weeks, alleging their arrest at Kobero by agents of the National Intelligence Service (SNR), though no official confirmation of their arrest or disappearance has been made public.

The decision announced in Bujumbura is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions in eastern DRC, where the AFC-M23 has notably seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, and Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. Both Kinshasa and Gitega have accused Rwanda of providing support to the AFC-M23, allegations that Kigali consistently denies, disputing various reports suggesting its involvement with the rebel movement.

Burundi's position is further shaped by its substantial military commitment in the eastern DRC, with over 29,000 Burundian soldiers deployed alongside Kinshasa's forces. This military involvement highlights the strategic importance of the region to Burundi and its alignment with the DRC government's efforts to stabilize the area.

The conflict in eastern DRC has also triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, leading to large-scale population displacements into neighboring countries, including Burundi. Provisional figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) indicate that approximately 142,000 new arrivals from eastern DRC were registered in Burundi between January 2025 and March 31, 2026, with a substantial portion—around 109,000—arriving since December 6, 2025.

Lawyers and compliance officers must advise clients, including UN personnel and those affiliated with NGOs or businesses, of the immediate and significant risk of entry refusal into Burundi if they have been in or transited through AFC-M23 controlled areas in the DRC. Given the absence of public legal texts detailing the measure's effective date, required documents, or exceptions, clients should be warned of high uncertainty and potential arbitrary application at borders, necessitating careful pre-travel assessment and monitoring for official guidance.

Source: Original reporting via regional news outlets.