I reached Burundi on 2nd February through a bordering city Kannara and stayed in a place called Kayanza. The next day, I left for Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi, pedaling through Bokrana. On the 5th, I visited some places and also met some Nepalese living there. Mr. Ramesh Paudel introduced me to some media persons and I interacted with them on the 6th. I also got to meet some more new Nepali friends that day.

Like Nepal, Burundi is a small and landlocked between Tanzania, Congo and Rwanda as its neighbors. Agriculture employs 90 percent of the people, with most being subsistence farmers. Since independence in 1962, like Rwanda, Burundi has not been able to escape the ethnic conflict between the majority Hutus and the Tutsis. A 2003 cease-fire and new government offer hope for peace.

Burundi is one of the mountainous countries of Africa, so, cycling is neither too tough nor too easy. This reminds me of my own country Nepal, which is also landlocked and mountainous. I had to travel across about 7 hills to reach Bujumbura from Kannara border. Bujumbura lies 37 kms from Bokrana and the roadway is very steep. Agriculture is the main occupation of the Burundians and it amounts to more than 60% of their GDP. The main products of Burundi are coffee and tea; coffee contributes much of the country’s income. The coffee plants alongside the roadways also give green and fresh look to the environment. Bananas are also grown plenty in this land.

The population of Burundi is 8.5 million and cycling seems to be a very popular medium of travel for most of them. People transport stuff like bananas, other fruits, goats and hens to the capital city in bicycles and sell them. They even carry charcoals in bicycles. It is easier for them to go to the capital as the road is sloped. But it is difficult for them to pedal back; so they grab one end of a running truck and get back to their homes. This is a very risky way to ride and many lose their lives while doing so, but, it is their necessity and not desire.

This nation has healed a lot after facing a very dark side of its history during the 90′s. It gained independence from Belgium on July 1, 1962 setting a record as the world’s first black republics. At present it is a democratic nation and is called the Republic of Burundi. During a long stay in Burundi, I got the opportunity to meet their Sports Minister too. I even received a certificate of appreciation from him and the Mayor which was a great moment of pride and honor for me and my country. I entered Tanzania through Kabanga border on February 16 and i pedaled 283 kilometers in total during my 14 days of stay in Burundi.

A heart-breaking experience:
On February 11, I was returning back after visiting the Mayor’s office and I had stopped for a drink near a big petrol pump since I was very thirsty. There I saw that a 12 years old girl was in her school uniform and had been caught for stealing bread. The police arrived in a while when I was still there. The child was made to lie down with face flat on the ground and the policeman hit her so badly on her buttocks that the stick broke into pieces. I felt very bad about it and my heart wept. A small child who was hungry had to steal food and was meted out with caning when caught. I felt sorry and helpless that I could not do or say anything at that moment. Moreover, I was also scared if I would put myself into trouble if I rebelled against them. Though I am very sad for the child, I pray that God will take care of the child and her family.