Bubanza : traders on the brink of despair following an order to demolish their kiosks

SOS Médias Burundi

Bubanza, September 12, 2026— Traders who set up kiosks in areas designated for vehicle traffic at the modern market in Bubanza—located in the province of Bujumbura in western Burundi—have been ordered to demolish them. The measure, announced by Bubanza district Administrator Sabbas Niyokindi, aims to clear access routes and facilitate emergency response in the event of a fire.

On Thursday, the district administrator, accompanied by security personnel and trader representatives, identified the specific kiosks affected by the order.

According to Sabbas Niyokindi, the primary goal is to prevent fires and ensure emergency vehicles can quickly access the market during an incident. He also urges traders to avoid unregulated electrical installations in their stalls and to refrain from using clothes irons within the market.

However, the affected traders find the decision difficult to accept. Many express despair, as these kiosks represent their main source of income; some even state that they took out loans to build them.

They also point out that the kiosks were set up with the authorization of the market management, which fuels their confusion regarding the current decision.

The traders are calling on the district to strengthen market security, notably through the installation of surveillance cameras. They also lament the lack of water in the market, while some remain hesitant to invest in fire-fighting equipment.

In response to their concerns, the district administrator is seeking to reassure them. He states that an alternative location is being sought to allow the traders whose kiosks are slated for demolition to continue their business operations.

Sabbas Niyokindi assures that the district has no intention of abandoning them, noting that they contribute to district revenue through the payment of taxes and levies.

Traders are also urged to insure their businesses to minimize financial losses in the event of fire or other disasters.

This move comes against a backdrop of recurring fires in several Burundian markets, which have caused significant losses for traders and heightened concerns regarding the safety of commercial infrastructure.