This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
On September 2, 2019, hundreds of Rwandan students were stopped from crossing the border into Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo on the first day of the academic year due to fears of Ebola spreading.
Many Rwandan students opt to study in French-speaking Goma because tuition fees are more reasonable there. However, Rwanda's health minister warned students to enroll in Rwanda, where English is the main language of tuition, citing concerns over the spread of the virus.
Four cases of Ebola were recorded in Goma, a major commercial hub, in late July and early August. Although the virus has not gained a foothold in Goma, Rwanda has not been allowing its citizens to go to the city since early August.
A Rwandan parent who tried to accompany her child to school in Goma expressed frustration over the situation, saying that despite meetings with authorities, no solution was reached.
"Our children have always studied in Congo, because it is cheaper. Will I get here a French system school for my child who is in their fifth year at secondary school? No," she told the BBC.
Other students, including Cecile Ahaji, 19, and Ineza Tania, 18, shared similar concerns, citing difficulties in adapting to the English system and questioning the fairness of the restrictions.
More than 2,000 people have died since the Ebola outbreak began in eastern DR Congo in August last year.
