Transport Minister Urges Road Safety Ahead of Burkina Faso’s National Culture Week

OUAGADOUGOU – Just days before the commencement of Burkina Faso’s National Week of Culture (SNC), the Minister of Transport, Anûuyirtole Roland Somda, has issued a call for increased road safety. This appeal follows the recent accidents where five trucks overturned on the Ouagadougou-Bobo-Dioulasso highway.

According to Burkina Information Agency, these incidents occurred overnight between April 22 and 23, 2024, on the highway section between Pa and Bobo-Dioulasso. Minister Somda emphasized the importance of vehicle maintenance and driver vigilance, particularly in changing worn tires and resting adequately. He noted that a few seconds of inattention on the road could lead to severe consequences. The ministry highlighted that the first truck accident was reportedly caused by a failure in the braking system. The Ouagadougou-Bobo-Dioulasso route, known for its high accident rate, especially between Boromo and Houndé, has witnessed significant accidents in the past, including a violent collision on January 20, 2024, which resulted in 10 fatalities and 16 serious injuries among 35 victims.

The National Culture Week, set to start on April 27, is a major cultural event in Burkina Faso, drawing large crowds to the region and increasing traffic on this critical highway.