Burundi: disgruntled moto-taxi drivers ready for a fight
Last December, the Burundian government officially prohibited moto-taxis from operating in downtown Bujumbura, allegedly for security reasons. The decision was not welcomed by moto-taxi drivers, who now consider to take up arms.
By Emelyne Muhorakeye, Bujumbura
“We can’t feed ourselves or even pay rent. We can’t even afford to buy soap”, says this Bujumbura moto-taxi driver.
After the government’s decision to ban them from the city centre, moto-taxi drivers now wait for clients in parking lots on the outskirts of the capital’s city centre. In an effort to enforce the ban, there are now police roadblocks on all bridges leading to the city. The drivers express discontent for what they see as an arbitrary decision. “We are very unhappy with this decision because it affects our livelihood”, adds the angry driver.
Misunderstanding
The decision came as a surprise for the Burundian Association of Moto-taxi Drivers (AMOTABU). According to its president, Yussuf Ngowenubusa, they met all the requirements of the police and the Bujumbura city council.
“We don’t understand this ban. We have sent a copy of our report to the ombudsman”, Ngowenubusa added.
He does not buy into the government’s official explanation stating security concerns. Ngowenubusa rather believes it has to do with individual interests.
“It serves the interests of certain individuals who want to use moto-taxi drivers for personal gains. We did all that was required from us.”
Less income
Since they were banned from operating in the city centre, the drivers saw their income drop considerably. Gérard Nijimbere, the General Secretary of AMOTABU, speaks of massive difference. “Now we only make 2,000 to 3,000 CFA francs (1.15 to 1.7 euros) a day, compared to 15,000 CFA francs (8.6 euros) before the ban. It’s a massive difference,” he explained.
This drop in income has a direct impact on the everyday lives of moto-taxi drivers. Nowadays they can spend the whole day in parking lots, not knowing if they will make enough money to afford a meal. But the problem runs much deeper. Some drivers, who can no longer afford rent, and others, who see their family lives threatened, consider leaving the country.
Social impact
“I have to provide for my wife and three children, as well as my brother who is a student. We all depend on this job. I was able to pay the owner of the bike his daily fees and still have enough for the family, but now it’s no longer possible”, shouts one of the angry drivers. “Some lost their wives and their children dropped out of school. We are really considering leaving the country, what else to do?” adds another driver.
In a low income country like Burundi, moto-taxis had become an affordable transportation alternative for the average Burundian citizen. Moto-taxis users are also affected by the ban. “Without any salary increase, this ban will only put more financial strain on the people”, says one of them.
Back to civil war?
Most of the moto-taxi drivers are former rebel fighters. According to the Ngowenubusa, AMOTABU facilitated the reintegration process by helping former fighters find jobs.
“AMOTABU comprises essentially of former fighters who believed that this job (i.e moto-taxi driver) would help them raise a family, away from war and crime”, he recalled.
But today, with their livelihood under threat, some former fighters now consider returning to arms.
“If there is a rebellion, I will not hesitate to join in. I’d rather be killed by a bullet than stay here and die from hunger”, states one of the drivers.
Negotiations
In Burundi, where popular frustrations often turned into rebellions, the ruling party and former rebel movement, the CNDD-FDD (Conseil National pour la Défense de la Démocratie Forces pour la Défense de la Démocratie) regards these threats as a sign to be headed by government.
Negotiations are underway between the government and seemingly disillusioned representatives of moto-taxi drivers, who are well aware of the political game.