Burundian ban on 'rebel' bicycles

By Prime Ndikumagenge
BBC, Bujumbura

Bicycle taxis are cheaper than buses

Bicycle taxis, used by many poor people in Burundi, have been banned in the capital, Bujumbura.

The mayor said they could be used by rebels to infiltrate the city, which was recently shelled by the Forces for National Liberation, (FLN).

The army is three days into a major offensive to flush FLN fighters out of the hills which surround Bujumbura.

The FLN has not signed up to a peace deal under which another rebel group is due to join the government next week.

'Thousands flee'

Mayor Pontien Niyongabo said that he was aware of the serious consequences the ban would have, but he said that the security of people was a priority concern.

The measure does not affect people using bicycles for purposes other than as taxis.

Hundreds of thousands of Burundians have fled the fighting

But this decision will affect the hundreds of poor families who were living on the little money the cyclists were earning.

The bicycles were generally used in the parts of the city where there are not many buses but recently they have become more popular across the entire city because they are cheaper than the bus.

The army has not yet commented on its offensive but thousands of people are reported to be on the move following the latest clashes in the 10-year civil war.

Local authorities say it is difficult to establish the number of those who have fled their homes.

In the commune of Mutambu, more than 10,000 people have run away.

They complain that many of their homes have been burnt by government troops, but a military commander there denies the claims.