Burkina Faso intensifies road safety training amid alarming accident rates

The National Road Safety Office (ONASER) launched a specialized training program today for 200 security and defense personnel (FDS) to strengthen traffic law enforcement and reduce road fatalities.

Under the theme “National and Regional Regulations on Road Control and Safety,” the two-day session (April 23-24) aims to standardize procedures for police, gendarmes, and municipal agents.

The move comes as Burkina Faso faces a road safety crisis, with annual averages of 22,000 accidents, 14,000 injuries, and nearly 1,000 deaths.

ONASER Director General, Police Commissioner Regma Zongo, emphasized the urgency of action: “Through awareness campaigns, stricter controls, and training, we must curb this preventable loss of life.” He urged trainees to apply the lessons rigorously in their daily operations.

While the government’s efforts—including recent awareness drives and penalty hikes for traffic offenses—are commendable, officials stress that public cooperation remains critical.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility: avoiding speeding, reckless overtaking, and drunk driving saves lives,” ONASER reiterated.

The initiative reflects Burkina Faso’s broader push to align with West African road safety standards while tackling systemic challenges like poor infrastructure and lax enforcement.

Success, experts say, hinges on sustained enforcement and civilian compliance.

Papa IBRAHIMA