Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), also known as road traffic collisions, occur when vehicles collide with other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, or fixed objects. While some incidents result only in property damage, others lead to severe injuries or death. In Somaliland, road traffic accidents have escalated into a major public health and development crisis.

In late 2025, the President of Somaliland declared road traffic accidents a national emergency. Official data indicate that in the five years leading up to 2026, approximately 37,000 accidents occurred nationwide, resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities and an estimated 25,000 injuries. These figures reflect not only human loss but also significant economic and social costs to families, communities, and the health system.

Drivers of Road Traffic Accidents

The high incidence of MVAs in Somaliland is driven by a convergence of infrastructure, vehicle, behavioral, and regulatory factors.

Road infrastructure remains a critical challenge. Many primary highways were constructed decades ago and were not designed for current traffic volumes or heavy freight transport. Most intercity roads are single carriageways, making overtaking maneuvers inherently dangerous. Poor maintenance, including potholes and eroded shoulders, forces abrupt vehicle movements, increasing the risk of collisions. In addition, the absence of adequate signage, reflective markings, and street lighting significantly heightens the danger of night driving.

A structural vehicle mismatch further compounds risk. Somaliland drives on the right side of the road, yet........

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