September 23, 2016
The U.S. Embassy has received information that protests against the United Nations report of the U.N. Independent Investigation on Burundi (UNIIB) are expected in major cities across Burunditomorrow morning, Saturday, September 24, 2016. In Bujumbura, plans are not set for a start point, but it is expected that any protest will proceed to the UN compound on Gatumba Road (on Burundi highway RN4, towards the beach clubs). This means the roads may be blocked for the protest, which are expected to be over by mid-day.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. The U.S. Embassy is advising citizens to avoid areas where 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:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Burundi.
- 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 Burundi, located at Avenue des Etats-Unis and Avenue du Cinquantenaire in Bujumbura, at +257-22-20-7000 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday throughThursday 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.
- 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 Standard Time, Monday throughFriday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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