Burunga province, in the south of Burundi, has experienced significant transport disruptions for nearly two weeks following a surge in police checkpoints. The increase in control points coincides with new police officials recently taking office in several communes across the province. These new appointments have been followed by a noticeable shift in law enforcement tactics on the region's roads. Police checkpoints have multiplied, particularly on National Road No. 3 in Rumonge, with multiple control points installed at very short distances from each other, severely impacting local movement and commerce. This proliferation of barriers has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and frustration for residents and transporters alike.
Intensified Road Controls
Road checks have considerably intensified in Rumonge, Makamba, and Rutana provinces. Police officials have justified the reinforcement of these controls, stating their primary aim is to remove motorcycles that do not meet legal requirements or are found carrying more than one passenger from circulation. This measure is presented as part of a broader effort to enforce traffic regulations and enhance road safety. Authorities have also issued a warning, indicating that additional barriers and checkpoints could be installed if infractions persist, signaling a firm stance on compliance. The increased presence on the roads aims to ensure adherence to transportation laws and enhance road safety across the affected provinces. The focus on motorcycle regulations suggests a targeted approach to address specific concerns identified by law enforcement regarding vehicle standards and passenger limits.
Economic and Social Impact
Users of transport services in Burunga denounce road harassment, soaring transport fares, and alleged corruption practices stemming from the increased checkpoints. Travelers face difficulties securing transportation, and fares have risen significantly, making essential journeys prohibitively expensive for many. Several transporters are suspending their activities, citing fears of their motorcycles or vehicles being seized by authorities, which further exacerbates the transport crisis. This reluctance to operate has led to a severe shortage of available transport options across the province. The resulting scarcity has driven up prices, placing an undue burden on the local population.
On the Makamba–Nyanza-Lac route, passengers reported paying up to 25,000 Burundian francs for a bus journey. This represents a substantial increase compared to the approximately 10,000 francs previously charged for the same trip, effectively more than doubling the cost. The state-regulated fare for this route is 5,100 francs, noting the enormous discrepancy between official pricing and the current passenger costs, which are nearly five times the legal maximum. This situation has made daily commuting and the transport of goods extremely challenging, impacting both personal finances and local economic activity.
Past Incidents and Corruption Allegations
Several drivers and users allege corruption practices on certain road axes, with overloaded vehicles reportedly crossing checkpoints after paying bribes. These claims suggest that while some vehicles are being impounded for infractions, others are allowed to pass unimpeded through illicit means. Such practices undermine the stated goals of road safety and fair enforcement.
A fatal accident involving a taxi carrying sixteen passengers was involved in a fatal accident on the hill of Nyabigina, in the chief town of Makamba commune, at the beginning of 2026, causing more than ten victims. This tragic incident showed the dangers of overloaded vehicles. Burundian regulations stipulate that this type of taxi is authorized to carry only three to five passengers, meaning the vehicle was operating with more than three times its legal capacity. Testimonies from that time indicated the vehicle had crossed several checkpoints without being stopped before the accident, despite its excessive load, raising serious questions about the efficacy and integrity of the road controls then in place. These past events fuel current concerns among the public regarding selective enforcement and corruption.
Official Stance and Public Demands
The governor of Burunga province, Parfait Mboninyibuka, has repeatedly called for the removal of non-essential checkpoints. Mr. Mboninyibuka has urged security services to rationalize road controls, emphasizing the need for efficiency and fairness. He has also asked authorities to enforce the law without unduly penalizing citizens, acknowledging the negative impact of the current situation on the population.
In Rutana, a recent incident noted the tensions surrounding these controls. Two security agents operating in civilian clothes to seize a motorcycle were attacked by residents who mistook them for thieves. This misunderstanding led to a violent confrontation. Administrative authorities later acknowledged that the agents should have been in uniform, which led to the release of those apprehended in connection with the incident. This event shows the importance of proper identification and adherence to protocol by law enforcement. Transporters, motorcyclists, and travelers in the affected areas are demanding that the fight against road infractions be conducted with professionalism, transparency, and equity, stressing that arbitrary or poorly executed controls only serve to alienate the public and disrupt livelihoods rather than ensuring safety and order.