In Congo-Brazzaville, the authorities decided, this Monday, February 28, to lift the curfew as well as the reopening of borders and nightclubs, measures in force since the end of March 2020, particularly in the capital. The lifting of these measures has been announced with immediate effect.
With our correspondent in Brazzaville, Loïcia Martial
The government’s announcements surprised the Brazzaville residents who exult. This Monday, at the end of the day, the bus stations near the city center were less crowded than usual. Public transport users did not seem to be rushing home.
The bus and taxi drivers, bar, restaurant and nightclub owners that we met have, for some, expressed the desire to work until the early hours of the morning. They believe that their turnover might quickly rebound because their work will now be done without interruption.
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Couples preparing for their wedding at the civil registry next weekend have promised to reprint their invitation cards. Initially, they had set dinner time from 6 to 10 p.m.
Travelers entering Congo through the airport think they might save a little now. They will no longer be obliged to pay 40,000 FCFA (60 euros) for the Covid tests, which have now been abolished.
Families who have relatives on both banks of the Congo River also say they are relieved. From now on, all will make the crossing without presenting a special authorization because the river and land borders of Congo are now reopened.