In Bamako, the capital of Mali, road accidents remain a significant concern. According to the Bamako District Municipality's report, 2,863 accidents occurred in 2025, resulting in 118 fatalities and 1,067 serious injuries. Although the number of accidents increased slightly from 2,840 in 2024, the number of deaths decreased by 20.27%. The report highlights that road accidents continue to pose a substantial risk to the population, with 2,046 victims in total, including 861 minor injuries.
The trend in road accidents over the past five years has been fluctuating. In 2021, there were 3,362 accidents, followed by 2,830 in 2022, 2,635 in 2023, 2,840 in 2024, and 2,863 in 2025. Motorcycles and motorized two-wheelers are significantly involved in these accidents, accounting for 80.8% of victims between 2021 and 2025. Specifically, 2,946 collisions involved motorized two-wheelers, including 811 collisions between motorcycles.
Pedestrians are also among the most vulnerable users, with a high exposure to risk due to dense traffic, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient pedestrian crossings. The report notes that pedestrians often have to share the road with vehicles, as sidewalks are occupied by commercial or artisanal installations. Furthermore, the lack of secure crossings and inadequate signage exacerbate the risks, particularly near markets and major intersections.
The distribution of accidents across Bamako's communes reveals disparities. The Commune III recorded the highest number of bodily accidents, with 758 cases, followed by Commune IV (660), Commune VI (541), Commune V (457), Commune I (225), and Commune II (222). Certain areas, such as high-traffic sectors, major intersections, and market areas, remain particularly exposed to risk.
The report also analyzed the timing of accidents, finding that 1,340 accidents occurred between 12 pm and 6 pm, 1,158 between 6 am and 12 pm, and 350 between 6 pm and 6 am. Sundays and Thursdays recorded the highest number of accidents, with 423 and 413 cases, respectively. These trends emphasize the need to adapt regulation and control measures to peak hours and days.
Human behavior is a significant contributor to accidents, with failure to respect priority rules, excessive speed, and reckless driving being major factors. Young adults, particularly those aged 26-35, followed by 18-25-year-olds, are overrepresented among those involved in accidents. Men are disproportionately affected, accounting for 1,782 victims compared to 238 women.
The Bamako District Municipality emphasizes that road safety remains a public priority, despite efforts made by the municipality, state services, and security forces. The report recommends reinforcing pedestrian protection, securing sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, promoting helmet use, and better regulating motorcycle taxis and tricycles. With 118 deaths and 1,067 serious injuries in 2025, urgent action is required to address these concerns.
Key points
- 118 people died in road accidents in Bamako in 2025.
- Motorized two-wheelers accounted for 80.8% of victims between 2021 and 2025.
- The Bamako District Municipality recommends reinforcing pedestrian protection and regulating motorcycle taxis and tricycles.
