Peaceful marches are being planned for this Saturday, March 17, in Bujumbura and most communes throughout Burundi. Most events will be held in the morning hours and are anticipated to be finished by early afternoon; however, there may be several separate but related events taking place all day. These events may cause traffic congestion and temporary road closures in many cities throughout Burundi.
While these gatherings are expected to be peaceful, even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas where the gatherings are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.
Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings—including local events—and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
For further information:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura, located at Avenue des Etats-Unis and Avenue du Cinquantenaire in Bujumbura, Burundi, by email at BujumburaC@state.gov, or at +257-22-20-7000 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +257-22-20-7318, or +257-79-938-841.
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution.
