Covert ethnic census sparks row in Burundi

A covert political and ethnic census of Burundi's civil service has sparked the ire of opposition leaders who warned Wednesday such a move could unearth the war-scarred nation's ethnic demons.

Burundi's private radio stations on Tuesday revealed the existence of letters distributed by cabinet ministers to top officials in the administration asking them to provide identification details for their staff.

"You will need to proceed with care and discretion in order not to skew the findings or wreak panic in your services," says one letter, a copy of which was obtained by AFP.

The letter said the census, which started a few days ago, was ordered by a senate commission of inquiry looking into the civil service's compliance with constitutional provisions on power-sharing.

The small central African nation is still struggling to emerge from a civil war pitting the Tutsi minority against the Hutu majority that started in 1993 and left at least 300,000 people dead.

"This political and ethnic census is very alarming because it is conducted covertly and based on a misguided interpretation of the constitution," said Catherine Mabobori, spokeswoman for the main Uprona opposition party.

"The constitution of Burundi provides for an ethnic balance of political posts but the civil service should retain its neutrality. This census risks awakening ethnic demons," she told reporters.

Under Burundi's constitution, Hutus -- who account for 85 percent of the population -- get 60 percent of government and parliament, while Tutsis -- who represent only 14 percent -- are granted the remaining 40 percent.

Burundi's regime has been dominated by the Hutus since 2005.