Bujumbura : drugs wreak havoc among young people in Musaga and Kanyosha

SOS Médias Burundi

Bujumbura, October 30, 2025 — Drug and alcohol consumption is on the rise among young people, especially boys, in the Musaga and Kanyosha zones of Mugere district, in Bujumbura, Burundi’s commercial capital.

This phenomenon is causing serious concern among local authorities, parents, and educators.

A youth adrift

According to a parent whose child has fallen into drug use—and who requested anonymity—the situation has become alarming :

“These young people spend most of their time using drugs or alcohol instead of focusing on their studies or work,” he says, visibly saddened.

This habit also has serious consequences for public safety. Several young people have already been arrested by the police after being caught stealing at night.

They often steal kitchen utensils, clothing, television sets, or radio sets, which they then resell to buy drugs.

Exhausted and disrespectful students at school

The repercussions are not limited to delinquency. In several schools in the municipality, teachers say that some pupils arrive in class exhausted, unable to concentrate, and sleep on their desks instead of paying attention.

“They lack respect for their teachers and parents,” laments an educator encountered in Musaga, who fears a lost generation if nothing is done.

Violence is spreading in homes

According to the same source, some young drug users are becoming violent towards their own parents, even assaulting them when they try to advise them to stop using drugs.

This behavior, according to several observers, reflects an advanced degree of addiction and a total loss of control related to drug use.

Call for action and awareness

Faced with this worrying situation, the residents of Musaga and Kanyosha are making an urgent appeal to local and national authorities.

They are calling for strengthened awareness campaigns, the creation of detoxification centers, and the implementation of reintegration programs to offer these young people a second chance.

The real dangers of drugs on health

Experts remind us that drug use causes serious mental health problems, such as depression, memory loss, and even psychosis.

It also damages the body, weakens the immune system, and can lead to chronic liver, heart, and lung diseases.

For parents, it is essential to talk with their children, monitor their friends, and promote educational and sporting activities that steer them away from negative influences.