Bujumbura : a new fire ravages part of Kinindo market, days after downtown blaze

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, August 25, 2026 — A new fire ravaged part of the Kinindo market on Tuesday, south of Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital and main commercial hub, just days after the devastating fire that destroyed two shopping arcades downtown. Many vendors suffered significant losses. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation has been launched.

The fire broke out around 10:00 AM in the section of the market where mattresses are sold. Firefighters, the Red Cross, and disaster management services quickly responded to control the flames and assist those affected.

The fire was brought under control approximately one hour after it started, but some of the merchandise was destroyed. Several traders, in a state of shock, lamented the loss of their belongings and livelihoods. Others managed to remove their goods from areas spared by the flames.

An investigation has been launched.

The Minister of Finance, Alain Ndikumana, who visited the site, indicated that the circumstances of the fire were not yet known.

“We don’t yet know where this fire originated, but the investigation has begun right here,” he stated.

The Minister assured that the government would monitor the situation and consider support measures for the affected traders. He also mentioned the need to strengthen preventative measures to avoid further fires in the markets.

The confusion caused by the blaze also led to attempted thefts in some parts of the market that had not been affected by the flames. The police increased security to prevent looting and protect the traders’ property.

Traders demand increased security

Antoine Muzaneza, president of the Burundi Traders Association (ACOBU), is calling on authorities to take concrete measures to strengthen security in markets.

He proposes, in particular, the creation of security committees in the markets and the implementation of opening and closing hours to better control the premises.

Traders are also requesting the installation of surveillance cameras to prevent further incidents and facilitate the identification of individuals involved in potential criminal acts.

Victims still shock after downtown fire

The Kinindo fire occurred just days after the one that ravaged the Ndayizamba and Le Parisien shopping arcades in downtown Bujumbura on Friday morning.

In the days following this disaster, SOS Médias Burundi interviewed several traders affected by the fire, some of whom lost their merchandise and savings. They described the extent of their losses and the difficulties they now face, particularly in repaying their debts and restarting their businesses.

The occurrence of these two fires in the capital within a few days has raised further questions among traders and residents, especially regarding prevention and intervention measures in markets and commercial spaces.

However, at this stage, no evidence suggests a link between the two fires. Investigations will have to determine the origin of each fire separately and any potential safety lapses.