The team that includes cyclists, medics, coordinators and support staff from all East African Countries including South Sundan started their journey on August 1st 2021 in Arusha, Tanzania in a bid to complete a 6000km race in 55 days.
The Cyclists had a smooth ride from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda where cyclists had engagements with government’s officials.
Integration, peace, unity and environmental conservation messages have been top of the agenda while tourism and sport promotion messages have been also preached in the fourth year of the Great African Cyclists Safaris.
However, there plans to continue the ride to integration Into Burundi before getting back to Tanzania’s Capita Arusha were disrupted on Wednesday 1st august 2021 immediately after the Rwandan government handed them to the Burundian.
These cyclists have been having free Covid-19 tests in each country they have traversed unlike the Burundian government that demanded USD 100 from each person putting a question mark on the region’s uncoordinated policies.
The action by Burundi has risen more than questions as it has not only obstructed the programs of GACS but also disregarding the agreement by East African Heads of State to harmonize the containment measures.
Vomuhabura understands that the team had endured to stay at the Burundi border until the Burundian government responds positively but they ran out of resources including food.
According to Balongo john, the team leader, Rwandan government has recalled the team from the Burundian border and another route to Tanzania will be harmonized thereafter.
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