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SOCIAL Centrafrica-Transport-Strike
BANGUI, Jan 9 (AFP/) - Thousands of people in the capital of the Central African Republic were forced to walk to work or school Monday after a strike in protest at rising fuel costs kept public transport off the streets.
Drivers of buses and communal taxis followed the 24-hour strike call by their unions almost unanimously; leaving stranded anyone without personal transport.
Union leader Ange Vogar Mandapi warned the government to bring down fuel prices or allow bus and taxi companies to put up their fares.
"If that does not happen, this 24-hour strike will be followed by another of three days," he said.
Union representatives were scheduled to meet with transport ministry officials later Monday.
The government cut its fuel subsidy at the beginning of January, having borne the cost of last year's soaring oil prices despite its disastrous financial situation.
As a result pump prices rose by up to 7.60-euro cents (10 US cents) a litre.