### Status of road safety in Bunia: A call for reflection
The alarming situation of road accidents in Bunia, Ituri, deserves more than a simple reaction. With a tragic toll of 46 deaths and nearly 300 injuries since the beginning of 2024, the issue is not limited only to acts of negligence observed on the roads. It also calls into question the collective responsibility of society and institutions in the face of a worrying reality.
#### An underestimated tragedy
The figures provided by the Congolese National Police (PNC) highlight a worrying trend: traffic incidents are no longer the exception, but almost the norm. In one year, a significant increase in the number of deaths – from 33 in 2023 to 46 in 2024 – is indicative of a complex phenomenon. Population growth, rapid urbanization and the increase in the number of vehicles in circulation are worsening an already precarious situation. While Bunia continues to see its population grow, the development of infrastructure adapted to such an influx remains desperately behind schedule.
Local and national authorities must understand this reality not only as a security crisis, but also as a call for commitment to sustainable urban planning and effective transport policy.
#### Underlying causes: beyond ignorance
Although the police cite ignorance of the highway code as the main factor in accidents, this reductive view does not take into account other aspects. Road safety is a socio-economic issue that requires policy choices, infrastructure investments, and greater citizen awareness.
For example, speeding, drunk driving and non-compliance with crossing rules are often exacerbated by gaps in driver training and a lack of resources for amateur drivers. It would be relevant to integrate road safety training programs in schools, raising awareness of the dangers of traffic from an early age.
#### Environmental and social issues
In this regard, the issue of public transport in Bunia is also worth asking. Promoting efficient public transport systems could not only reduce the number of private vehicles on the roads but also reduce the city’s carbon footprint. By placing greater emphasis on sustainable transport — such as eco-friendly public transport or bike-sharing systems — the municipality can not only address safety issues but also contribute to responsible urban development.
#### Police initiatives: essential preventive measures
The initiatives taken by the police, such as awareness campaigns and recycling sessions, are certainly commendable. However, their effectiveness will be proportional to their visibility and ownership by the local community. For these measures to bear fruit, it is essential that they be accompanied by rigorous monitoring and regular evaluations.
The presence of police officers at intersections, although essential, should not be seen as a single solution. An integrated road safety policy could play a catalytic role, where the PNC would work in concert with local NGOs, schools and parents for a collective education of road users.
#### Conclusion: A shared responsibility
The increase in accidents in Bunia is a cry of alarm that calls for collective mobilization. Road safety, far from being a simple police or regulatory problem, must bring together civic, educational and political actors. By joining forces for awareness-raising and better planning, Bunia could not only reduce its accident rate, but also bring about a harmonious, sustainable and humanist urban development model.
It is the duty of every citizen, from the authorities to road users, to act proactively to make Bunia a city where road safety is a top priority, thus transforming this sad record into a shore of hope, education and shared responsibility. In this dynamic, the notion of safety must never be secondary, but rather, at the heart of our daily concerns.