Burundians went on strike on Thursday to protest against high fuel costs and the price of their mobile phone bills, bringing the capital Bujumbura to a standstill as the government said the action was illegal. The government says it has had to raise taxes to seek revenues and cover its expenditures after a significant decrease of ----- support to Burundi, caused in part by an economic slowdown in ----- countries and concerns over graft and human rights abuses. The one-day strike, organised by trade unions and civil society groups, was largely heeded and most businesses, public hospitals, schools, and other state services stayed closed in the capital, a Reuters reporter said. The strike organisers want the government to significantly lower the fuel price in keeping with falling international prices.



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