Kigali — Borders with Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will begin to operate on a 24-hour basis this year.

This was revealed yesterday by Innocent Niyonsenga, the Communications Officer at the Directorate General of Immigration and Emigration.

A similar arrangement with Uganda goes into effect next month.

"No deadlines are in place on operations at border posts with Burundi and DRC but these too are planned to start before this year ends," Niyonsenga told The New Times.

During the recent Rwanda-Uganda Joint Permanent Commission (JPC) summit in Kampala, officials from both countries agreed that 24-hour border operations commence in April, June and July at Gatuna, Kagitumba and Cyanika border crossings respectively.

"Similar arrangements are in the final process between Rwanda and DRC, at the Corniche, Poids Lourd, Bugarama, Rusizi I and Rusizi II border posts".

Niyonsenga also noted that the same 24-hour border arrangement is underway with Burundi at Akanyaru Haut and Nemba-Gasenyi borders posts.

"At the Rusumo border (Tanzania) there is currently no development - but for us, that is the vision we have. Similar procedures will continue for all borders to operate like that," Niyonsenga said.

24-hour border operations are considered key for promoting cross-border business, one of the government's top priorities.