We got Stuck at the Border....

I arrived safely in Bujumbura on April 1st, greeted at the airport by kaka Malela and we caught up in the taxi ride to the Palmeraie Inn where kaka secured in advance, 2 rooms. We had a full brief on our mission and went over the schedule for Mpala. We knew it was going to be a long day crossing the border, getting to Uvira port and on the boat so we called it a night early. The following morning we were up early packed and ready to go. Our taxi driver (see photo of fur and lion below), got us safely to the border (see photo- blurry because you are not allowed to take photos). We crossed throuth the Burundi border with only a slight problem (my vaccination card- they wanted a hard copy, not on my iPhone ha ha). Once we crossed into the DRC side problems started... this really is no surprise as there is ALWAYS SOMETHING! As kaka and I often say, "this is Congo!" At the first window we gave our passports and immediately they were taken to the 'superior' who took about 20-30 minutes, then she called us over to her and took us to HER superior. There we sat in his office as my passport (visa) was read, studied and carefully looked over. In and out, the head of Immigration was sending people, calling people- so much was going on. Kaka and I just waited....and waited. Finally, he says (in French) Le visa est expiré ! Which translates to: The Visa is Expired! Kaka and I looked in disbelief as I know it's good for 2 months and the 2 months only starts on the day of entry. We explained this over and over, in French, in Swahili even in English. But he was not having it, again: Le visa est expiré !

So the calls begin...I call probably 6 different people from friends (in high places within the DRC Government) and, friends at various NGO's (UNHCR, OCHA, etc...) kaka is calling friends and family who work or know someone who works in Immigration. Nowhere- nothing we can do. Well...we could always slip a little tip here and there (pretty common) but then we would have to do this at every 'check-point' Uvira, Kalemie, Moba until we reached Mpala. That was going to cost a lot of 'tip' money. Then, the head of Immigration pulled kaka aside and said this: "Le groupe rebelle M23 est là et s'infiltre rapidement, la situation n'est pas bonne. C'est dangereux, vous devriez retourner à Bujumbura maintenant" (The M23 rebel group is here and infiltrating rapidly, the situation is not good. It is dangerous, you should go back to Bujumbura now).That is really all it took for kaka and I to stop. You see, kaka Malela is what I always say,"The Male Version of ME" ha, he is steadfast, has energy like a battery and NEVER STOPS. He has a heart of gold but will not take NO for an answer. Usually the two of us on the ground, in the field are #1 Unstopable and #2 GET IT DONE but this time it was different. Despite all the calls, the ability to pay and make our way around and through...we didn't. Once we made this choice (it really was a silent nod to one another), kaka told our taxi driver to cross back and we were escorted to the Burundi side of the border, this time re-entering (thank GOD I got a multi-entry Visa!). There we waited (see photo), after a good 30-40 minutes one of the officers offered me a chair. The Burundian Immigration officials were quite confused as to why we had JUST entered and now leaving. We had to then get a document from the DRC side that I had to sign which said, pretty much that we were being sent back because my Visa is expired. Even with this letter the Burundians were baffled (one took another swig of his 'juice' and read the letter again and again, studied my passport, my visa, the DRC visa and FINALLY signed and stamped us back in. Now, technically they could of detained me. Either side actually. Thankfully, they did not. Once we were back 'safely' in the taxi and about 2 kilometers away from the border kaka and I discussed. My Visa for the DRC was ISSUED on the 30th of December, 2022, the million documents photos, copies, itinerary etc... that one must submit in order to even apply for a visa for the DRC are endless. That being said however, one of the most important documents IS the letter of Invitation which is stamped by 3-4 different officials (see photo), on that letter (and itinerary!) are the dates of my travel. Well- the gentleman who signed off on my visa failed to look at these dates and stamped my visa for 2 months and signed it on the 30th of December 2022. Apparently, the 2 month visa is activated on the first day of entry (into the DRC) what is not clear is YOU MUST ENTER THE COUNTRY WITHIN THE 3 MONTHS OF RECEIVING THE VISA. Therefore, our attempt to enter on April 2nd and not prior to March 30th, my visa EXPIRED.

THE Story to be continued…

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