• Authorities target 6,886 minibuses aged an average of 24 years
• All vehicles will be recalled to Dakar for inspections over two months
• Non-compliant units face immobilization or immediate upgrades

Senegal’s Ministry of Land Transport on February 3 announced a package of measures targeting minibuses with seating capacity ranging from 12 to 19 passengers, which are heavily involved in road accidents. According to the ministry, the segment includes about 6,886 minibuses with an average age of 24 years, highlighting the advanced wear of vehicles that handle a large share of urban and intercity transport.

The core measure requires all such minibuses to be recalled to Dakar for comprehensive technical inspections over a two-month period. The ministry said vehicles that meet standards will be allowed to continue operating, while others will be immobilized or required to undergo immediate compliance upgrades.

Beyond mechanical checks, the authorities also plan to address operating conditions through complementary measures. These include stricter enforcement against passenger and baggage overloading, mandatory installation of internal luggage spaces, compulsory use of authorized bus stations, intensified roadside inspections, deployment of automated video ticketing, installation of GPS tracking devices to limit speeding, and a gradual renewal of the vehicle fleet.

A regional challenge

Senegal’s situation reflects challenges seen in several major West African cities, including Lagos, where urban public transport relies heavily on aging, privately operated fleets. These vehicles are frequently cited in road accidents, often linked to excessive speed, overloading, and other traffic violations.

In March 2025, the Abidjan district in Côte d’Ivoire banned intra-urban operations of “Gbaka” minibuses as part of a broader effort to reorganize public transport. While such regulatory initiatives aim to improve road safety, they also raise economic and social concerns, including the risk of temporary reductions in transport supply and potential fare pressures on users.

Henoc Dossa