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Country Specific Information: Burundi

August 21, 2011 Comments off

Country Specific Information: Burundi
Source: U.S. Department of State

August 18, 2011

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: One of the poorest countries in the world, Burundi is a small francophone, densely populated central African nation bordering Lake Tanganyika, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Burundi was plagued by a civil war from 1993 to 2006 that often involved non-governmental and non-combatant targets. In December 2008, the last rebel group agreed to demobilize and register as a political party. Between May and September 2010, Burundi held a series of five elections covering all elected offices at all levels of government which domestic and international observers considered to be credible. Years of fighting have devastated a historically fragile economy that depends largely on subsistence agriculture. Poor public health and education, weather disasters such as drought and floods, crop diseases, soaring food and fuel prices, and lack of infrastructure exacerbate the effects of conflict and delay recovery. Limited facilities for tourism are slowly becoming available around Bujumbura. Outside the capital, particularly towards the southern town of Rumonge, tourist facilities are developing along the lakeshore. However, road and safety guidelines should be considered when traveling outside of Bujumbura. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Burundi for additional information.

Categories: Burundi, international relations, transportation and travel, U.S. Department of State

State Department Travel Warning: Burundi

June 5, 2011 Comments off

State Department Travel Warning: Burundi
Source: U.S. Department of State

The State Department warns U.S. citizens of the risks of traveling to Burundi. This notice replaces the Travel Warning for Burundi, dated November 4, 2010, to provide information regarding travel to and within Burundi, as well as revised information on security restrictions for Embassy personnel.

Because of Burundi’s participation in peacekeeping operations in Somalia, the Somali terrorist organization al-Shabaab has threatened to conduct terror attacks in Burundi. It may also target U.S. interests.

The Burundian civil war that lasted from 1993 to 2006 often involved non-governmental and non-combatant targets. In December 2008, the government and the last rebel group signed their final cease-fire agreement in which the rebel group agreed to demobilize and register as a political party. Burundi held general elections in 2010 which were generally considered credible. Political tensions ran high and there were incidents of violence during the campaign period. Low-level political violence persists; the areas of Bujumbura Rural, Makamba, Rumonge, and the area neighboring the Kibira forest are of particular concern.

Categories: Burundi, international relations, safety, transportation and travel, U.S. Department of State

Country Specific Information: Burundi

May 1, 2011 Comments off

Country Specific Information: Burundi
Source: U.S. Department of State

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: One of the poorest countries in the world, Burundi is a small francophone, densely populated central African nation bordering Lake Tanganyika, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Burundi was plagued by a civil war from 1993 to 2006 that often involved non-governmental and non-combatant targets. In December 2008, the last rebel group agreed to demobilize and register as a political party. Between May and September 2010, Burundi held a series of five elections covering all elected offices at all levels of government which domestic and international observers considered to be credible. Years of fighting have devastated a historically fragile economy that depends largely on subsistence agriculture. Poor public health and education, weather disasters such as drought and floods, crop diseases, soaring food and fuel prices, and lack of infrastructure exacerbate the effects of conflict and delay recovery. Limited facilities for tourism are slowly becoming available around Bujumbura. Outside the capital particularly towards the southern town of Rumonge tourist facilities are developing along the lakeshore. However, road and safety guidelines should be considered when traveling outside of Bujumbura. Read the  Department of State Background Notes on Burundi  for additional information.

Categories: Burundi, international relations, transportation and travel, U.S. Department of State
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