The administrator of the urban district of Ntahangwa in the north of the commercial city of Bujumbura has permanently closed 33 bars and hotels. They are accused of speculating on the prices of beers and softdrinks. The Burundian Minister in charge of internal affairs Martin Niteretse recently asked his lieutenants to « severely sanction speculative traders » throughout the territory of the small East African nation. Some analysts believe that Burundian authorities want to win the minds of the population on the eve of the legislative and district elections next year.

INFO SOS Médias Burundi

The decision was made on Wednesday. The six zones of the district of Ntahangwa were shaken by this measure. But it is the Kamenge zone, usually known for its party atmosphere all day long, that has paid the heavy price. It alone records 17 businesses that have closed permanently.
Ernest Niyonzima, the administrator of Ntahangwa, recalls in his note that « these bars and hotels have not respected the conventions on the application of prices, established in meetings with the administration, the police and traders themselves ».

Mr. Niyonzima also warned owners of the drinks depots. « They are exposed to the same sanctions if they do not respect official prices », warned the administrator.

Residents of northern Bujumbura welcome this measure but fear « negative solidarity » from traders.

« The owners of bars and hotels that have not been sanctioned may decide to hide their products and sell them to us at exorbitant prices », fear residents who spoke to SOS Médias Burundi. Others speak of « a short-term measure for political reasons ».

In a note reserved for representatives of the police and the administration throughout Burundi, the Burundian Minister in charge of internal affairs Martin Niteretse recently asked his lieutenants to « severely sanction speculative traders ».

Local and foreign analysts believe that these measures are taken in order to « conquer the minds of the Burundian population, on the eve of the 2025 legislative and district elections ».

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City dwellers walk on a main street in Bujumbura