The measure was announced on Sunday morning, May 17, 2026, as part of efforts to prevent the deadly virus from crossing into Rwanda.

The decision follows reports of a new Ebola case detected in Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo earlier this week, prompting neighboring countries to strengthen preventive measures and health surveillance.

Rwandan health authorities said they are closely monitoring the Ebola situation in DR Congo while intensifying border screening and other safety measures aimed at protecting the population and preventing any possible outbreak inside Rwanda.

Officials emphasized that the temporary border closure is a precautionary step intended to reinforce national preparedness against the highly contagious disease.