BUJUMBURA – 21, June (BC)-Almost every day, Burundi’s roads claim new victims. While road crashes are often blamed on reckless driving, data analysis and testimonies from stakeholders in the transport sector reveal a far more complex reality. Deteriorating road infrastructure, poorly maintained vehicles, inadequate enforcement and risky road user behavior are combining to fuel a phenomenon that has become a major public health and development challenge.
According to l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé [World Health Organization (WHO)] Global Status Report on Road Safety, published in December 2023, approximately 1.19 million people die each year in road traffic crashes worldwide, while between 20 and 50 million others suffer non-fatal injuries. Road traffic injuries are now the leading cause of death among children and young people aged 5 to 29, underscoring the magnitude of this public health issue.
A Concerning Rise in Road Crashes
Road safety authorities are sounding the alarm. In 2023, Burundi recorded 6,742 road traffic accidents, compared with 6,059 in 2022, representing an increase of 11.27 percent. According to Désiré Niyongabo, Deputy Commander of the Road Traffic Police Unit (UPR-SR), the situation is a major concern. Beyond the loss of human lives, road crashes leave many victims with severe injuries, reduce household incomes and place a significant burden on public finances. Although the number of crashes increased, fatalities and injuries declined. In 2023, 601 people lost their lives, down from 802 in 2022, while the number of injured victims fell from 3,389 to 3,142.
Roads That Shatter Lives
Road users themselves have witnessed the worsening situation. « Recently, road accidents have become increasingly frequent in Bujumbura City, claiming many lives, » says Jean Bosco Nibigira, a driver living in Bwiza Zone. In his view, speeding, failure to obey traffic signs and running red lights are among the leading causes of accidents.
Beyond Human Error: Poor Road Infrastructure
However, attributing road crashes solely to driver negligence would be an oversimplification. According to Nixon Habonimana, Legal Representative of the Road Safety Observatory, the condition of urban roads also plays a significant role. « Many sections of the urban road network are riddled with potholes that disrupt traffic. Some road users even drive on sidewalks reserved for pedestrians, » he notes.He explains that in several neighborhoods of Bujumbura, asphalt has almost completely disappeared.
Drivers often struggle to give way, increasing the risk of collisions. He also criticizes what he describes as the gradual deterioration of road infrastructure under the « complacent eye » of the authorities responsible for its maintenance.Besides damaged roads, the absence or inadequacy of traffic signs, malfunctioning traffic lights and dangerous road bends also contribute to accidents.
Vehicles Sometimes Unfit for the Road
The condition of Burundi’s vehicle fleet is another weak link. According to the Road Safety Observatory, many vehicles continue to operate despite questionable mechanical conditions. Nixon Habonimana also denounces what he considers unequal treatment during vehicle inspections. « Private vehicles are the ones mainly subjected to inspections, whereas government vehicles are rarely inspected, » he claims.
Drunk Driving, Mobile Phones and Speeding: A Dangerous Combination
Risky behavior further aggravates the situation. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue, speeding, dangerous overtaking, failure to yield and ignoring traffic lights are among the violations frequently reported by traffic police. The Deputy Commander of the UPR-SR also notes that some motorists drive without valid licenses or use forged documents, while others simply lack sufficient driving experience.
Improper loading of goods, the use of mobile phones while driving and wearing earphones behind the wheel further increase the risk of crashes. Cyclists riding without insurance on major highways have also been identified as a concern. These observations are consistent with WHO findings, which indicate that more than 50 percent of road traffic deaths involve vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, who are particularly exposed in developing countries.
Limited Enforcement Capacity
Despite ongoing efforts, road safety stakeholders acknowledge that enforcement resources remain insufficient. « Because of limited enforcement capacity, some drivers and transport operators take advantage of the situation. Traffic laws must be strictly enforced, » says Jadot Nzitunga, President of the Burundi Association of Motorcyclists and Taxi Operators (AMOTABU).
He nevertheless commends the policy of temporarily or permanently suspending the driving licenses of repeat offenders. For his part, Roger Bankibigwira, Commander of the Special Traffic Police, acknowledges the shortage of equipment, particularly speed detection radars. However, he welcomes the introduction of operational breathalyzer devices for alcohol testing.
Road Safety Reforms Under Consideration
To reverse the trend, several reforms are being considered. The UPR-SR recommends strengthening road safety education and training road users in first aid. Other proposed measures include digitalizing traffic enforcement, installing surveillance cameras, establishing a traffic management operations center and rehabilitating bus stops.
The Special Traffic Police also plans to divert heavy trucks away from downtown Bujumbura in order to reduce accident risks. Meanwhile, the Burundi Transporters Association intends to establish a training and refresher center for professional drivers already in service. Road safety awareness campaigns in schools are also planned.
The Need for a Comprehensive Approach
Experts and road safety organizations agree that reducing road crashes cannot rely solely on law enforcement. « There must be zero tolerance on our roads, » insists Nixon Habonimana. Beyond stricter enforcement, many stakeholders advocate for a comprehensive strategy that combines safer infrastructure, roadworthy vehicles, effective enforcement and lasting behavioral change.
According to the WHO, 90 percent of road traffic deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, even though these countries account for only about 60 percent of the world’s vehicles. The organization also estimates that road crashes cost countries approximately 3 percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) through healthcare expenses, productivity losses and property damage.
These findings resonate strongly in Burundi. Behind every road crash lies a grieving family, victims who may live with lifelong disabilities and substantial economic losses for the country. Unless the root causes—including deteriorating infrastructure, insufficient enforcement, poorly maintained vehicles and risky road user behavior—are effectively addressed, Burundi’s roads will continue to exact a heavy human and economic toll.
