Nakambe: The Ministry of Security, through the National Road Safety Office (ONASER), organized a road safety training course on August 27 and 28, 2025, in Tenkodogo for fifty traditional and religious leaders from the Nakambe region. This session aims to strengthen their involvement in community awareness to reduce road accidents, which claim many victims each year in Burkina Faso.
According to Burkina Information Agency, ONASER data reveals that between 2020 and 2024, the country recorded an average of 23,100 accidents per year, resulting in approximately 14,866 injuries and 1,091 deaths. “These figures are not just statistics, but a reality that challenges each of us,” said the Director of Planning and Road Safety Promotion, Ms. Boudnoma Nina Same/Yameogo. She emphasized that ONASER’s missions include promoting road safety, contributing to African traffic policies, and participating in the Road Network Operations Commission.
The governor of the Nakambe region, Colonel Aboudou Karim Lamizana, supported the initiative, highlighting the importance of involving local leaders in combating road insecurity. “Traditional and religious leaders are highly valued in our communities. They are well placed to raise awareness among the population about responsible behavior to adopt on our roads,” he stated.
During the two-day training, participants examined the main causes of accidents, such as speeding, not wearing helmets, using mobile phones while driving, overloading, and illegal parking, as well as good prevention practices and the role of leaders in citizen mobilization. Statistics specific to the Nakambe region, particularly Tenkodogo, were also presented to promote a better understanding of the issues at the local level.
ONASER officials invited leaders to become road safety ambassadors in their communities. “Traffic is a space for life, not death. Every life saved is a collective victory,” insisted Ms. Boudnoma Nina Same/Yameogo. The spokesperson for the participants, Saanaba Sigri of Tenkodogo, welcomed the initiative, considering it timely in view of the increase in accidents. “These tragedies are often linked to the ignorance and carelessness of road users,” he said. He urged people to exercise caution, respect the highway code, observe traffic lights and signs, and be vigilant with each other.
Saanaba Sigri expressed hope that this training would equip them with tools to raise awareness in their community, thus contributing to reducing road accidents. This training, bringing together fifty customary and religious authorities, is part of the national strategy for preventing and combating road insecurity.