Threats on Burundi

This item appears on page 17 of the June 2014 issue.

The US Department of State warns that because Burundi participates in peacekeeping operations in Somalia, the terrorist organization al-Shabaab, based in Somalia, has threatened to conduct attacks in Burundi. It may also target US interests there.

Groups of armed bandits or street children pose the highest risk for visitors to the capital, Bujumbura, and Burundi in general. Exchanges of gunfire and grenade attacks are common, even in urban areas. 

The US Embassy has received reports of armed criminals ambushing vehicles, particularly on roads leading out of Bujumbura. US government personnel are prohibited from walking on the streets after dark or using public transportation at any time.