Fear of a new epidemic grows in Goma

The governor of Nord-Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Carly Nzanzu Kasivita, announced the first case of Covid-19 in the city of Goma, involving a 44-year-old Nigerian humanitarian worker who arrived on March 18 and has been quarantined since March 22. The confirmation came from tests conducted in Kinshasa. This news has caused concern among Goma residents, still recovering from the Ebola epidemic. Despite the experience gained from Ebola, there are fears that authorities may not be able to contain this pandemic. The governor has urged the public not to panic and to follow preventive measures. Restrictions have been imposed, including the closure of access between Goma and Rwanda and the suspension of traffic between Goma and Bukavu for fourteen days to limit the spread of the virus.

The DRC expels Burundians claiming to flee repression

On March 13, 1,387 Burundians arrived in Goma, North Kivu, claiming to seek refuge from persecution and political insecurity by Burundi's ruling party, CNDD-FDD, and its militia, Imbonerakure. The provincial authority deemed their presence illegal, rejecting asylum requests and ordering their expulsion. Despite international law, the DRC identified some individuals among the refugees as involved in a failed coup in Burundi. Civil society member Jonhson Ishara supported the decision, citing the need for legal procedures. This expulsion adds to the significant number of Burundian refugees already in Goma.