Zimbabwe announced a gradual reopening of its land borders starting December 1. In the first phase, the measure will only concern pedestrians and private passenger vehicles. And only six border posts, including Beitbridge, will be operational, the government said.

“Cabinet resolved that the opening of border posts be phased, beginning with Beitbridge, Plumtree, Victoria Falls, Chirundu, Nyamapanda, and Forbes,” said Information Minister Monica Mustvangwa. As part of this new measure, the opening hours of the borders have been set between 06:00 a.m. and 06:00 p.m.

“Curfew hours are being relaxed beyond the current 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for the convenience of those who are cleared late at ports of entry. This will be subject to gazetting,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.

Zimbabwe closed its airports and land entry points at the end of March to control the propagation of the Covid-19 pandemic. The country finally resumed international flights on October 1, but the movement of people by road and rail is still limited.

Romuald Ngueyap