Residents of Goma face mounting financial strain following the abrupt closure of border crossings with Gisenyi in Rwanda. The decision, which halted all official trade and movement, has sent shockwaves through the local economy, particularly affecting small-scale vendors and wholesalers who relied on daily cross-border transactions.

Local vendors bear the brunt of economic disruption

Jacques Safari, a street vendor selling eggs in Goma, has seen his earnings plummet since the closure. “Our daily revenues have dropped sharply. Before, I could sell five trays of eggs daily, but now I struggle to sell even two,” he explains. “Most of my customers were travelers or traders crossing the border. Without them, business has ground to a halt.”

Wholesalers face supply chain breakdowns

Hamuli Kasilembo, a wholesaler at Birere Market, describes the growing challenges in sourcing goods. “Before the closure, we could easily cross into Rwanda to restock. Now, even finding customers is difficult because money isn’t circulating like it used to,” he says. The disruption has crippled supply chains, leaving many businesses struggling to meet demand.

Economic ripple effects loom large

Economists warn that the closure’s negative impact was inevitable. Alphonse Muanda, an economist monitoring the situation, notes, “Small traders are the hardest hit. Many relied on daily earnings from cross-border trade, while others depended on bulk purchases from Gisenyi for essential goods like rice, soap, and household items.”

While Rwandan authorities cited health concerns—specifically efforts to contain Ebola—as the reason for the closure, the economic fallout is becoming increasingly visible in Goma. Residents now fear worsening poverty and social instability as the measure remains in place.