Bujumbura - Post Report Question and Answers
What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Being a francophone country and a former Belgian colony, there are a decent amount of French and Belgian expats. Far less Americans in general, but there is a relatively new embassy and a well-respected ambassador here at the moment. In the development space, the Germans, Japanese, and Dutch are here as well. Morale seems just OK based on the conversations that I’ve had – people tend to bond over the certain difficulties of living in Burundi. I think another post on here said something along the lines of “if you’re here, you wanted to be here” – and I think that’s accurate. It’s a francophone notch on certain expats belts, many of whom have just come from or are about to head to Dakar, Bamako, Abidjan, etc. - Aug 2023
In my opinion, it is small and currently the morale seems low. However, our newly-arrived Ambassador is working to change that. - Mar 2021
Moderate. Community morale seems generally high - if you're here, you want(ed) to be here. - Nov 2017
Really small while on departure. Morale is at an all-time low. Horrible work-life balance, and people are just frustrated with the situation. - Aug 2015
Small, but friendly. The UN is here as well as several NGOs. - Oct 2008
