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Motorbike taxi owners and drivers have been on strike for a week in Bocaranga, in the Ouham-Pendé prefecture in northern Central African Republic. They are protesting against the Central African Armed Forces (Faca) requisitioning their motorcycles for ground military operations. Most of these devices were destroyed at the scene of the event. The strike has paralyzed the smooth flow of economic activities in the city.
Such mood swings among motorcycle owners and drivers have paralyzed public transport between Bocaranga and nearby towns since the outbreak began on July 2. The motorcycle taxi association has claimed from the Bocaranga Faca unit for a dozen motorcycles lost in the Ngutere incident, a week after a rebel attack that killed about 15 people, including five soldiers.
Completely angry
For a man who is in charge of a motorcycle taxi driver, this is totally outrageous considering the conduct of the defence and security forces deployed in the area. “We have decided to stop our activities from July 2 to 15 to demand a solution from the government. The army has requisitioned our motorcycles for use in military operations. Our machines have either been burned or sold. That is why we are going on strike to express our dissatisfaction.” He said angrily.
Another report said their daily income has already taken a hit. “Government soldiers violently snatched our motorcycles for their operations. It is with these motorcycles that we can carry out economic activities to feed our families. We have lost six motorcycles so far and we don’t know which way to go.” He complained.
According to some testimonies, it is not only motorcycle taxi drivers who are victims, but even two-wheeler owners are complaining. “People are victims too. You park your motorcycle to help patients at the hospital. At the exit, these soldiers ask you to give them the keys to your movement. You have to accept, but when they come back, they ask you to pay a fee before you can get your motorcycle back. That’s why we are going on strike to express our anger.” A resident of Bokaranga testified.
The local economy is paralyzed?
As a result of the strike, economic activity was weakened as motorcycle transport was the main source of supply to the city due to the deterioration of roads.
“Because of the deterioration of the roads, transport vehicles no longer use different routes. Thanks to the motorbike drivers, we have electricity in the city. However, after these events, our soldiers requisitioned these motorcycles. Some machines were set on fire during the fighting. This is why the motorbike drivers are on strike. We no longer have a means of transport for ourselves or our goods. That is why we alert the authorities to find a solution to our concerns.” A shop owner lamented.
The commander of the Farka detachment has not yet responded to the allegations, but other sources mentioned that the soldiers deployed in the area lack logistical resources.
–Also read: Central African Republic: What we know about rebel attacks near Bocaranga
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