"From January 2021 to January 2022, we recorded at least 130 deaths, 1,970 injured. We also recorded 3,449 accidents between vehicles, 1,543 cases of vehicle accidents involving tricycles, motorcycles and bicycles reported and declared. However, more than 924 accidents have not been followed up to this day because their perpetrators fled. They do not have the required documents." said Lt. of Police Athanase Bukeyeneza

He indicates that 627 bicycles and 302 motorcycles were seized and are being held by traffic police and other police units due to unreported accidents.

He notes that these drivers often violate traffic rules and do not respect safety measures. They are preoccupied with quick profit from the business of paid transport of goods and people.

And he added "Some of the drivers facilitate the movement of criminals or directly participate in criminality such as grenade throwing or the theft of bags and phones, not to mention that sometimes they damage both public and private infrastructure."

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The decisive blow

At the request of the traffic police, the ministry responsible for security decided to set new boundaries of zones prohibited to all circulation of bicycles, motorcycles and tricycles except motorcycles carrying state license plates and diplomatic representations.

These are prohibited from exceeding the Kanyosha bridge, the 12th Avenue bridge in Musaga and Bonesha in Kamesa in the South sector. Kiriri campus, Sororezo and Mugoboka for the central sector. In the north of the capital, it is prohibited to go beyond the Water Tower (Mutanga North) – Gihosha zone – Gasenyi Market, Gasenyi River – Iwabo W'abantu – North Station – 1st Avenue Kamenge – IBB (Q.7 Ngagara) – St Gabriel High School – Route Mgr Buconyori – At Commune Quarter 9 – Ntahangwa Court – SODECO – CAMEBU – PNB Logistics Office – OTRACO – Chanic Roundabout, Chanic Roundabout – TR15 Maramvya, Chanic Roundabout – Mutimbuzi River

The decision was backed by strict warnings from the Minister of Interior, Security and Community Development:"It is difficult to accept this measure. But we only adopt it for the interest of the Burundian people. I am sending you to inform those concerned that from March 11, which will be a Thursday, no bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles will cross the delimitation zone. Moreover, no police officer will stand guard but know that anyone who dares will pay dearly." said Gervais Ndirakobuca, minister responsible for public security.

Note that the Bujumbura municipality counts more than 8,000 motorcycles, more than 4,275 tricycles and more than 8,124 bicycles for commercial use.

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Joe Senghor