This
is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office
at the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to
gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in Burundi. For more in-depth
information, review OSAC’s Burundi
country page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact
information, some of which may be available only to private-sector
representatives with an OSAC password.
Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at
the date of this report’s publication assesses Burundi at Level 3, indicating
travelers should reconsider travel due to crime, health, and political
violence. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Overall Crime and Safety Situation
There
are ongoing political tensions in Burundi, and there has been sporadic violence
throughout the country, including gunfire and regular grenade
attacks; attribution and motivation behind these attacks is often
unclear. Police and military checkpoints are common and can restrict
freedom of movement. Police have searched the homes of private citizens as
part of larger weapons searches.
Crime Threats
The
U.S. Department of State has assessed Bujumbura as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting
official U.S. government interests. Nevertheless, travelers are much more
likely to experience injuries in a traffic accident than be affected
by an incident of crime. Overall, Westerners are unlikely
to be specific targets of attack, although “wrong time, wrong place” scenarios
still exist. Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind.
Violent
crimes, such as grenade attacks and armed robberies, are common. Local police
lack the resources and training to respond effectively to
serious and routine crimes.
Review
OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers &
Fraud,Taking Credit, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.
Cybersecurity Issues
There
is an overall lack of sophisticated technological skills. The police have
almost no capability to investigate these types of crimes when
they do occur.
Review
OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public
Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best
Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?
Transportation-Safety Situation
Road Safety and Road Conditions
Travelers
are much more likely to receive injuries in a traffic accident than in an
incident of crime or political violence. Emergency rescue and quality
medical care are not readily available, contributing to a high traffic accident
mortality rate. For travel outside of Bujumbura, the U.S.
Embassy requires employees to travel during daylight hours (roughly
0600-1800) with first-aid and communication equipment. The Embassy
prohibits employee travel outside major towns between 1800-0600 and discourages
it altogether due to poor road conditions and an increased prevalence of crime
on intercity roadways during hours of darkness.
Except
for several major roads within Bujumbura and the national roads that
crisscross the country, most roads do not meet U.S. standards. There is very
little street lighting, especially outside of Bujumbura. Large potholes
are common on all roads and require close attention; it is common for drivers
to veer into oncoming traffic to go around them. Most non-highway
roads outside the capital are narrow, in poor condition, and can be
especially precarious due to steep terrain and inconsistent or non-existent
paving. During the rainy season (September to May), these unpaved
roads can be slippery and quite treacherous.
Traffic
laws exist but authorities enforce them inconsistently, and drivers only
follow them sporadically. Most drivers are inexperienced and lack
training. Pedestrians often ignore sidewalks and will walk in the road or
the center median (when one exists), while motorcycles, bicycles (with
passengers), slower-speed “tuk-tuk” three-wheeled minicabs, and
pedestrians use both sides/lanes of the road, thereby presenting a
constant danger. Approximately two-thirds of all vehicles are right-side drive,
although the country is officially a left-side drive country.
Drivers, including those of overloaded and poorly maintained trucks, often
travel at very high rates of speed even though they do not have full
visibility, increasing the risk to all on the road, especially when
turning or passing into oncoming traffic up hills and around curves.
Foreign
drivers in Burundi must have an international driving permit and third-party
insurance. Long-term residents can apply for a Burundi driver’s license. Use of
cell phones while driving is illegal. Give buses and taxis a wide berth, as
they start and stop abruptly, often without pulling to the side of the
road.
In
the case of an accident, call and attempt to have police respond. Drivers
are supposed to leave cars where they are in case of an accident, but if a
hostile crowd forms or you feel your safety is in danger, leave the
scene and proceed to the nearest police station or gendarmerie to report the
incident. Do not stop at the scene of an accident in which you are not
involved.
Anticipate
and plan for potential mechanical problems, and incorporate
extra time to address problems in order to be off the roads before
dark. Is it not uncommon to see cars being repaired on the side of the
road without appropriate jacks and/or blocks to ensure they will not
roll away. Drivers often place branches in the roadway to alert other
drivers to a roadside repair ahead.
When
traveling outside of Bujumbura, be aware of increased risks of ambush and
highway robbery, which usually happen at night. Service stations are scarce and
fuel shortages are common. Professional roadside assistance is not available
outside the capital. Carry spare tires, food and water, a satellite phone, maps
and navigation equipment, and a first aid kit.
Roadblocks placed by
armed police and other security personnel, particularly at night, are
common throughout the country at major intersections to the national roads away
from Bujumbura and near river crossings. Officers conduct sobriety,
paperwork, and vehicle inspections, looking for weapons/criminals. It is
not uncommon for officials to request bribes. Travelers have reported harassment,
bribe solicitation, intimidation, and (rarely) physical violence at
roadblocks, especially during times of heightened security. When at
a checkpoint, obey the officer’s instructions and never try to push through or
disregard the checkpoint altogether.
Temporary,
unannounced road closures are common when high-level government officials
travel, and include a heavy police presence that stops all traffic
(vehicle, pedestrian, and bicycle) in both directions. Stoppages can last an
hour or more, depending on traffic.
Review
OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the
State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety
abroad.
Public Transportation Conditions
Local
transportation lacks regulation and vehicles lack proper maintenance,
with drivers often disregarding the most basic safe driving practices. Combined
with treacherous road conditions and vehicles that do not meet safety
standards, using local public transportation is extremely risky. Armed
groups have targeted public transportation for
crime, enabled by overcrowding. As a result, the U.S.
Embassy prohibits its U.S. employees and their family
members from using public transportation, and generally
discourages its use for tourists. Hire private transport
from a reliable source. If you use a taxi, negotiate the fare before
beginning your journey. Taxis do not have meters, so confirm with your hotel
what fare to expect.
Aviation Concerns
Melchior
Ndadaye International Airport (BJM) is Burundi’s only international airport,
and maintains direct flights to regional hubs. As there is no direct commercial
air service to the United States by carriers registered in Burundi, the U.S.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of
Burundi’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil
Aviation Organization aviation safety standards.
Terrorism Threat
The
U.S. Department of State has assessed Bujumbura as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting
official U.S. government interests.
The Somali terrorist organization
al-Shabaab continues to threaten attacks in Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya in
retaliation for their participation in the African Union Mission in
Somalia (AMISOM). Following al-Shabaab’s 2010 attack in Uganda, and
three high-profile attacks in Kenya in 2013, 2015, and
2019, the Government of Burundi and the international
community remain concerned that
Burundi continues to be a target.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There
is little direct anti-U.S. sentiment in Burundi. Terror
attacks may target U.S. interests due to U.S. support of
AMISOM. The Burundian government has issued a series of
statements against several European countries and UN offices, and
is paying closer attention to foreigners entering Burundi.
Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Bujumbura
as being a HIGH-threat location for
political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
Following the turmoil of 2015 and 2016, overt, violent security
operations in Bujumbura markedly decreased between 2017 and 2019. Violence, some
undoubtedly political, persists, while overall the security situation has continued
to stabilize. Grenade attacks continue, as do sporadic armed
attacks along the DRC frontier; two large cross-border attacks in
late 2019 targeted government security forces. Reports of
harassment, arbitrary detention, torture, forced disappearance, extrajudicial
killings, and human rights violations that began in 2015 continue at
reduced levels, although government officials often deny these
reports. These issues, as well as the deteriorating economic situation and
dire food shortages in some parts of the country, led many Burundians to
flee between 2015 and 2017, with a smaller
number leaving in 2018 and 2019. While more than
50,000 refugees have returned through a formal, UN-supported process,
approximately 370,000 Burundian refugees remain in Rwanda, Uganda,
Tanzania, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, and eastern DRC.
The
provinces of Cibitoke and Bubanza are vulnerable to cross-border
raids by armed groups from the eastern DRC, where violent clashes
continue. The borders may close without notice. Armed
violence continues within Kibira, Ruvubu,
and Bururi Forests.
Relations
between Burundi and Rwanda are tense, and there is a risk of cross-border
incursions and armed clashes. International borders may close without notice. Malefactors
may use grenades and small arms.
Civil Unrest
All
public gatherings require government pre-approval. Only
pro-government marches and protests have taken place since mid-2016.
Participants of government-sponsored protests often receive money for attendance
or are forced to attend. Although these events have been largely peaceful,
it is always prudent to avoid large crowds, public
gatherings, and demonstrations. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Religious/Ethnic Violence
Sensitivities
related to ethnicity exist, although violence that can appear to be ethnic
in nature may also be politically or personally
motivated.
Post-specific Concerns
Environmental Hazards
Burundi
is a mountainous, land-locked country; it is common for heavy rains to disrupt
and present hazards to roadways. Extended downpours during the rainy
season (the major rainy season is from February to May,
with a minor one between September and November) have caused
mudslides, resulting in deaths, property damage, and washed out roads
and highways.
While
earthquakes are infrequent, Bujumbura is located close to an active fault line
that could result in a large-magnitude earthquake. A general lack of
infrastructure is consistent across the country, and a
natural disaster could render what little there is completely
unusable. Given limited response capabilities, consider any natural
disaster a significantly dangerous situation.
Personal Identity Concerns
Authorities
may closely scrutinize and occasionally detain Rwandan
citizens and individuals entering Burundi from Rwanda.
Sexual and domestic violence,
including rape, is a widespread problem. Police and magistrates may require
victims to pay the costs of incarceration for the perpetrator.
Center Seruka and Center Nturengaho provide shelter and counseling to
victims of rape and domestic violence. Several international NGOs provide free
medical care for victims, mostly in urban areas. Review
the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.
Burundian
law criminalizes same-sex sexual acts, with penalties ranging from fines
to imprisonment of three months to two years. Prosecutions are rare, but
authorities have detained people based on their perceived sexual
orientation. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers and
section 6 of Burundi’s Human Rights report for further details.
Handicap access to
transportation, lodging, and public buildings is limited. There are few
sidewalks and even fewer features for handicap accessibility, such as
entryway or curbside ramps. Most buildings lack functioning elevators. Review
the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.
Review
OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State
Department’s webpage on security for faith-based travelers.
Drug-related Crime
Individuals
under the influence of drugs (usually marijuana or alcohol) commit many petty
crimes. Burundi is a known transit point for
drugs trafficked to Europe.
Other Issues
It is illegal to take
pictures of government buildings, military installations, and key
infrastructure such as airports and border
controls. Authorities could
detain, arrest, or fine you, and confiscate your
equipment. Do not take photos of Burundians without their permission. Review
OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.
Read
the State Department’s webpage on customs and import
restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of
other countries.
Police Response
The
emergency line in Burundi is 112. The Burundian National Police fall
under the authority of the Ministry of Public Safety and Security,
which is in charge of security and law enforcement. It maintains order in
the country, secure its borders, and conduct investigations. Due to
a lack of training and resources, the Burundian National Police finds it
challenging to conduct traditional police responsibilities (e.g. dealing with
traffic accidents, responding to an emergency at a residence). The investigative
capacity of Burundian law enforcement is limited.
However,
it is best to report a crime in person. The police may
not investigate or adjudicate crime – especially theft. If a U.S.
citizen is the victim of a serious crime, contact the police and the Consular
section of the U.S. Embassy at +257-22-207-225.
The Burundian
National Defense Force (BNDF) defends the country against exterior
invasion and protects critical infrastructure. It can also assist the
police with logistics and specialized skills that they may not have.
The BNDF is under the authority of the Ministry of
Defense.
The Service
National de Renseignement (SNR) oversees intelligence. The
mission of the SNR is to gather and analyze threats against the president and
the country, and is primarily domestically focused. The
SNR operates under the authority of the president.
Security forces
routinely search vehicles and homes (including those of foreigners and U.S.
citizens). Residential searches are allowable between 0600-1800; police
must present identification and a warrant. Report improper searches to the U.S.
Embassy. If Burundian National Police detain
or harass a U.S. citizen, identify yourself as such and
immediately contact the U.S. Embassy. Download the State Department’s Crime
Victims Assistance brochure.
Medical Emergencies
Most
medical facilities in Burundi are inadequate for even routine care. Emergency
services are severely limited. The most common medical emergencies
are the result of motor vehicle accidents and infectious
disease. The level of medical services is significantly below
U.S. standards. Ambulance services are limited and unreliable. No
facility provides advanced cardiac or high-level trauma care. Find
contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance
services on the U.S. Embassy website.
If
you do need medical care, you must pay cash in advance and may not be able to
receive treatment if unable to do so. Providers generally do not accept credit
cards or insurance. In an emergency, a medical evacuation (medevac) would
likely be necessary. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends
purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally.
Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas.
Power
outages occur frequently and may affect public services such as access to
potable water.
Malaria
is endemic; use anti-malarial chemoprophylaxis and CDC-recommended mosquito
repellents, and sleep with mosquito nets. Food- and water-borne illnesses are
common. The following diseases are prevalent: Chikungunya; Hepatitis A; Malaria;
Schistosomiasis; Typhoid; Yellow fever; and Zika. The CDC offers additional
information on vaccines and health guidance for Burundi.
Review
OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health
101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.
OSAC Country Council Information
Bujumbura
has an active Country Council. Contact OSAC’s Africa
team for more information or to join.
U.S. Embassy Contact Information
No. 50 Avenue Des États Unis, 110-01-02, Bujumbura
Monday-Thursday 0730-1715 and
Friday 0730-1230
Switchboard: +257-2220-7000
Marine Security
Guard (24x7): +257-2220-7318
Embassy Duty
Officer (24x7): +257-7993-8841
Website: http://bi.usembassy.gov/
Helpful Information
Before
you travel, consider the following resources:
