Kirundo : darkness exposes traders and customers to all dangers

SOS Médias Burundi,

Kirundo, March 20, 2026 — Lack of lighting, insecurity, fire hazards : at the Kirundo market, traders and residents denounce dangerous working conditions.

In Kirundo, in Butanyerera province, in the north of the small east African nation, the central market faces a worrying situation. The lack of street lighting and repeated power outages are fueling traders’ concerns, especially since the adoption of an administrative measure encouraging them to open very early and close their shops late.

An administrative measure that’s not going well

Towards the end of last month, during a meeting held by Suavis Rukundo, the executive secretary of the Kirundo district administrator, shopkeepers were asked to open their stores earlier in the morning and extend their business hours into the evening. According to the authorities, this initiative aims to boost the local economy in line with the national development vision for 2040-2060, a government program that aspires to make Burundi an emerging country by 2040 and a developed one by 2060, through economic growth, industrialization, and job creation. However, on the ground, some shopkeepers believe that these objectives remain difficult to achieve without prior investment in basic infrastructure, particularly electricity and security.

But on the ground, this decision is causing serious concern.

“We understand the development objective, but how can we stay open late when the market is plunged into darkness?” “Our goods are at risk of being stolen,” confided one merchant encountered at the market.

Another added :

“Even during the day, there are often power cuts. At night, it’s even worse. We’re afraid for our belongings and for our own safety.”

Lighting announced as a priority

When questioned about the situation, the administrative official acknowledged that lighting the market is a priority for local authorities.

“The Kirundo market electrification project is among the current priorities,” assured Suavis Rukundo.

However, several merchants questioned the immediate implementation of extended hours while the necessary security conditions are not yet in place.

At the same time, the administration criticized some merchants accused of opening their shops late.

“Some stay closed until 10 a.m. This hinders the development of the district,” stated Suavis Rukundo during the meeting.

Residents also affected

The situation doesn’t just affect shopkeepers. The town’s residents, mostly farmers, say they are also impacted.

“We spend the day in the crop fields. When we come home in the late afternoon, we find some shops already closed. Yet, that’s when we need to buy food or other products,” explains a resident.

Another adds :

“The market should remain accessible to everyone, especially those who work all day.”

Increased risks, particularly in case of fire

Beyond the lack of lighting and security, the shopkeepers raise another concern : the absence of an access road for fire trucks in case of fire.

According to them, the market’s layout plan doesn’t include a suitable access route for emergency services.

“If there’s a fire, how will the emergency services get into the market?” “There’s no designated aisle for this,” a vendor laments.

An urgent appeal to the authorities

Faced with these numerous concerns, the vendors are calling on the authorities to act quickly. They are specifically requesting the installation of street lighting, increased police presence, and the construction of an access road for emergency vehicles.

For them, these measures are essential to secure their businesses and ensure the market functions normally, for the benefit of the entire population.