Among traders and porters crossing at Rusizi II, 26-year-old Patrick is widely known. Born and raised in Mururu, Patrick represents the porters who assist small-scale traders by transporting their goods across the border. “I represent the porters who help the cross-border traders transport their products that don’t go on vehicles and aren’t too heavy,” he explains.

After leaving school three years ago, Patrick found his calling at the border, helping women traders and earning a modest income. “These women are our parents and our sisters, and I knew I wouldn’t lack anything by helping them out,” he says.

Since the pandemic, the border operates from 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM. “Every day, I make sure I am here at the border by 6:00 AM with my materials ready,” Patrick shares. His dedication ensures that he is always prepared to assist traders as soon as they arrive. On a good day, he can earn up to 1,000 RWF, which he often saves for future investments. “If I get 1,000 RWF and possibly learn how to ride motorcycles because it will be beneficial for my future,” he notes.

Patrick’s daily earnings add up to about 25,000 RWF per month. This money is crucial for his plans to improve his life. “I can get 20,000 and give it to a driving instructor to start training for a motorcycle permit,” he says. Alternatively, he might invest in iron sheets to build a home or purchase livestock to generate additional income. As a representative for the porters, Patrick encourages his peers to think ahead and avoid spending their earnings on alcohol. “You never know what the future holds,” he advises.

Being a porter is one of the most laborious jobs at Rusizi II. It requires carrying goods across the border by placing packs on their heads, weighing well over 10 kilograms. ©IOM 2024/Robert Kovacs

Looking ahead, Patrick believes that the new border post will bring significant changes to their work. “I think it will be a good opportunity to learn modern methods and increase our capacity,” he says. He envisions banding together with other porters to buy a vehicle, which would enhance their ability to transport goods efficiently. “We can take examples from other border crossings such as the one in Gisenyi and learn how to do our work at a higher level,” he adds.

Despite the daily labour of carrying items back and forth, Patrick finds support among the women traders he assists. “Some of the women look at us as people who are trying to better their lives and relate to us,” he says. However, not everyone values their work, which can be disheartening. “Some others look at us like street children with no plan and don’t give any value to the work that we do,” he admits.

One of the positive aspects of his work is the sense of community and support. “I can approach them whenever I run into challenges, such as a sick loved one that I need to take to the hospital,” Patrick explains. Although he does not withdraw money from their collective accounts, he can ask for a loan to be deducted from his salary. “Some people understand it and others don’t, but they employ us so either way we respect them,” he says.

Patrick is one of the most resilient and future minded porters at Rusizi II. He continues to work hard, striving to improve his life and the lives of those around him. His forward-thinking and community-minded approach is a testament to his determination to create a better future.

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This initiative was supported by the European Union-funded project ‘Secure Cross-border Social, Economic and Commercial Activities in the Great Lakes Region’ which aims to strengthen sub-regional economic integration and cohesion between border communities, while strengthening cross-border trade.

SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals