The U.S. Embassy in Bujumbura has received information that a potentially large protest tomorrow, 26 November, against the United Nations Commission of Inquiry announced this past Wednesday is expected in both Bujumbura and throughout Burundi. In Bujumbura, marches are tentatively scheduled to start at 7:00 a.m. at Place de l’Indépendence, and proceed to various locations around the city. Roads may be blocked for the duration of the protest, which is expected to be over by 3:00 p.m. These protests are not expected to be violent, but will disrupt traffic and cause congestion. Avoid the city center area of Bujumbura tomorrow during the time of the marches.
Even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations, or avoid such areas altogether.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to review the Burundi Travel Warning. 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 on the corner of Avenue des Etats-Unis and Avenue du Cinquantenaire in Bujumbura, at +257-22-20-7000, 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 +257-79-93-88-41.
- 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 through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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