Bujumbura - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Official guidance is to not be out after dark in Bujumbura, which tracks. If you are a white foreigner you will generally attract a lot of attention, and even if the vast majority of it is from the very friendly Burundians – it helps to keep in mind that this is the poorest country in the world and many people on the streets are desperate. I’ve heard of a few situations escalating. - Aug 2023
Of course, but this is NOT the Burundi of 2015. I feel safe walking around markets and shops. Use your instincts and keep your wits about you. Like in any capitol city. Muggings are the most likely but we stay to a limited area. There are neighborhoods that we do not go into. Listen to the RSO briefing and follow their directions. - Mar 2021
Check with your appropriate security office. There are security concerns, though I'm more concerned about getting hit by a tuk-tuk while driving to work. - Nov 2017
Wrong place, wrong time kind of threats. Americans are not specifically targeted. - Aug 2015
Many, but not at all bad during daylight in cities. It's more a problem while traveling between cities or at night. Burundi is just getting out of a 13 year civil war. There are many small arms, light weapons out among the people. A rise in armed theft is expected, especially up-country, as economic problems continue to lead people to seek other "options" of making some income. - Aug 2009
There’s political instability and rebel groups are becoming active ahead of 2010 elections. You sometimes hear gunshots or grenade attacks from the “bad” parts of town. There are often roadblocks in the mountains outside the city. - Oct 2008
