Catholic bishops from Rwanda and Burundi have renewed their appeal for the two governments to pursue dialogue and reopen their shared land borders, citing the continuing impact of the closure on citizens.
The bishops issued the appeal following a meeting of the Association of Episcopal Conferences of Rwanda and Burundi (ACOREB) in Bujumbura.
Their discussions covered Church affairs, public welfare and relations between communities in the neighbouring countries.
In a statement issued on 12 November 2026, the bishops expressed concern about the disruption to people’s lives and called for efforts to improve bilateral relations.
Bishops call for continued dialogue
ACOREB urged both governments to maintain discussions aimed at resolving their differences and restoring movement across the border.
“We regret that the land borders connecting Rwanda and Burundi remain closed. We are concerned that this decision continues to affect the populations of both countries.
We reiterate our appeal to our respective governments to continue dialogue aimed at improving relations between the two countries and reopening the borders,” the statement reads.
The appeal addressed the difficulties facing communities whose family relationships, travel and trading activities connect them across the border.
Cardinal Kambanda emphasises unity
The Archbishop of Kigali and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Rwanda, Cardinal Antoine Kambanda, said the border closure had complicated meetings between bishops from the two countries.
Despite those difficulties, Cardinal Kambanda said the bishops continued to make arrangements to meet twice a year, alternating between Rwanda and Burundi.
He explained that the gatherings aimed to strengthen ties between the Churches and encourage Christian communities facing uncertainty.
“We do this to comfort the Christian communities in both countries, give them hope and show them that, despite the challenges, our brotherhood remains a strong bond. We continue to overcome these obstacles so that we can meet,” he said.
Appeal follows earlier meeting in Kigali
The Bujumbura gathering followed ACOREB’s March 2026 assembly in Kigali, where the bishops also raised concerns about the border closure and called for continued dialogue.
ACOREB held that assembly from 9 to 12 March at the Saint Vincent Pallotti Centre. The meeting brought together bishops from both countries to discuss Church activities and the circumstances facing their communities.
