LONE joggers have become a common sight on the cobbled streets of Bujumbura, Burundi’s charming capital on the shore of Lake Tanganyika. Running in groups used to be a popular weekend pastime, but the government has become increasingly allergic to public gatherings, so it is wiser to trot along alone. An attempt on March 8th by the opposition Movement for Solidarity and Democracy to stage a rally in the capital led to violent clashes with the police; 21 of the party’s activists arrested that day have since been jailed for life for “insurrection”. The party has been suspended, its headquarters placed under police guard. Its leader, a lively former radio journalist, Alexis Sinduhije, has fled, and a warrant put out for his arrest. [FULL STORY]
