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Burundi capital paralyzed due to strike over fuel prices, Reuters

Citizens of Burundi held a strike March 5 mainly to protest against the high costs of fuel and the government’s heavy taxation of oil products for domestic consumption, Reuters news agency reported.



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According to the agency, the Burundi government raised taxes as it needed to compensate from a decrease in international donations in the years since the start of the collapse in several world markets in 2008. Donations have also been cut because of concern on potential corruption, it added.

Most businesses, including hospitals, schools and other state services closed in the capital because of the strike. All public transport was brought to a halt.

Organizers, which include trade unions, have threatened to continue actions unless the government can manage a decrease in fuel prices in Burundi to reflect lowering prices elsewhere compared with mid-2014.

The groups claim three fuel price decreases since late 2014 have not been enough.

 

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