Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye visited various markets and commercial spaces in Bujumbura on the afternoon of 15 October 2026 to inspect commercial safety. The tour included stops at the Ngagara market, also known as Cotebu, alongside the Bujumbura City Market. During the inspection, the Prime Minister also surveyed the Village Market, the Bata gallery, and the Idéal gallery. Addressing the scope of the operation, Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye stated, "La sécurité est très vaste." This assessment followed his direct observations of the business sites throughout the city. The visit included the Ngagara market (Cotebu), Bujumbura City Market, and the Village Market, Bata, and Idéal galleries.
Mandate for Improved Safety
Prime Minister Nestor Ntahontuye issued a directive for the immediate tracing of all remaining circulation routes within the inspected commercial zones. This measure aims to improve safety standards and ensure clear vehicle access for emergency services. Officials intend for these paths to remain unobstructed to facilitate rapid responses to potential hazards. The Prime Minister ordered the immediate tracing of remaining circulation routes to improve safety and vehicle access. This directive is part of a broader effort to ensure that emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks and ambulances, can navigate the dense commercial environments of Bujumbura without hindrance. By clearing these routes, the government seeks to minimize the time required for emergency responders to reach incidents occurring within these busy urban spaces.
Prior to these inspections, the Prime Minister visited several commercial sites impacted by recent fires on 1 September 2026. That tour included assessments of the Kinindo market, the Ndayizamba gallery, and the Le Parisien commercial center. These locations experienced structural damage, prompting the government to review fire safety protocols and building accessibility across the city. The Prime Minister previously visited markets affected by fires, including Kinindo market, Ndayizamba gallery, and Le Parisien commercial center, on September 1, 2026. During that earlier visit, the Prime Minister spoke with site managers regarding the conditions that led to the damage and the challenges faced by business owners in maintaining fire-resistant infrastructure.
The current series of inspections follows the National Security Council meeting held in Gitega on 27 August 2026. Council members adopted Resolution RES/002/2026 at that time to establish new standards for fire prevention in commercial spaces. The resolution outlines requirements for maintaining safety infrastructure and mandates regular oversight of business premises to mitigate risks. The inspections follow the National Security Council meeting held in Gitega on August 27, 2026, which adopted Resolution RES/002/2026 regarding fire prevention in commercial spaces. This resolution serves as the legal and administrative framework for the ongoing safety improvements being implemented by the government across all monitored business districts.