The main border crossing between Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda’s Rubavu district will remain open until midnight from Saturday, the AFC/M23 administration controlling North Kivu province said on Friday.
Bahati Erasto Musanga, the governor of North Kivu appointed by the AFC/M23 administration, announced that the La Corniche border crossing would operate from 5 a.m. to midnight starting Oct. 3.
The extended hours are intended to ease movement between Goma and Rubavu and facilitate cross-border trade, Musanga said.
Officials responsible for border operations will be present during the extended hours to assist travelers from Goma using the crossing, according to the announcement.
Travelers have been instructed to comply with all applicable immigration, administrative, health and security requirements when crossing the border.
The La Corniche crossing is a key link between Goma and Rwanda’s Rubavu district. Movement across the border has increased since AFC/M23 forces took control of Goma in late January 2025, according to the Kinyarwanda report.
The longer operating hours are expected to give travelers and traders additional time to cross between the two cities, which have strong commercial and social links.
The AFC/M23 has controlled Goma since January 2025 after capturing the city during fighting in eastern Congo. Its takeover has reshaped control of territory in North Kivu and heightened regional concerns over security and cross-border movement.
