Kirundo : curfew after 8 p.m., but motorcyclists with ties to the Imbonerakure spared

SOS Médias Burundi

Kirundo, June 1, 2026 – Tensions are running high in the district of Kirundo, in the province of Butanyerera, in the north of the small East African nation, following the implementation of a measure prohibiting motorcyclists from operating after 8 p.m. Several motorcyclists denounce this administrative decision as discriminatory and selectively applied.

According to several motorcyclists interviewed in downtown Kirundo, this restriction has significantly reduced their income, as nighttime transportation represents a large part of their daily business.

“Since this measure was implemented, our income has decreased considerably. Many customers travel after 8 p.m., and we can no longer serve them,” laments a motorcyclist.

The protesters also claim that the measure is not being applied equally to everyone. They denounce the fact that some drivers with ties to the Imbonerakure continue to circulate freely at night, sometimes until morning, without being bothered.

“We are stopped and penalized, but others work all night without any problem. We don’t understand this difference in treatment,” says another motorcyclist.

The Imbonerakure are members of the youth wing of the CNDD-FDD, the ruling party. According to several accounts, they participate in night patrols alongside the police and also take part in securing the borders in support of the defense and security forces.

Severe penalties

According to several accounts, any motorcyclist caught operating after 8 p.m. faces a fine of 50,000 Burundian francs, as well as the impoundment of their motorcycle for up to one month.

For the riders, these penalties are considered excessive.

“50,000 Burundian francs is a huge amount for us. And going a month without a motorcycle means losing our only source of income,” explains a motorcyclist.

The administration cites security concerns

When contacted, the administrator of the Kirundo district, Jean Berchmans Ndikuriyo, justified the measure on security grounds. According to him, some individuals use motorcycles to travel discreetly at night and commit acts likely to disturb public order.

“Our priority is to guarantee the safety of the population,” he stated, adding that the decision is not intended to penalize motorcyclists but to prevent security risks.

Accusations of unequal treatment

Despite these explanations, several motorcyclists maintain that the application of the measure is unfair. They claim that some riders, allegedly close to the Imbonerakure (youth wing of the ruling party), benefit from special leniency, allowing them to ride at night in collaboration with law enforcement.

This situation is fueling a climate of frustration and mistrust among motorcycle taxi riders.

Users are denouncing the soaring nighttime fares.

Residents of Kirundo also say they are suffering the consequences of this restriction. The reduced number of motorcycles available at night has reportedly led to a significant price increase.

“Finding a motorcycle at night has become very difficult. And when you do find one, the price is very high,” testifies a resident.

In some cases, nighttime fares have reportedly doubled, particularly for medical emergencies or unforeseen trips.

Call for fair implementation of the measure

Faced with this situation, the motorcyclists are calling on the authorities to review the decision and guarantee fair implementation of the rules for all riders, without discrimination.

“We are simply asking to be treated equally and to be able to work under fair conditions,” pleads a representative of the motorcyclists.

The residents, for their part, hope for a balanced solution that reconciles security imperatives with economic realities, in order to ease tensions in the Kirundo district.