Burundi: Extended Bujumbura road closures May 10-12

Event

The United States Department of State has warned of intermittent road closures throughout Bujumbura during the visit of the Chinese vice president beginning at approximately 18:00 (local time) on May 10 and lasting through 12:00 May 12. The road closures may last several hours at a time and include large sections of Boulevard du 28 Novembre. Anticipate disruptions or delays and plan transportation routes accordingly during this period.

Context

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao is visiting Bujumbura as part of an official trip to Senegal, Chad, and Burundi May 6-12.

Political violence persists throughout Burundi in the aftermath of the country's contested July 2015 elections. A number of political opposition parties, human rights organizations, and international NGOs have voiced concerns over the continuation of political violence against the opposition in recent months. Security forces and members of the youth wing of the ruling party Imbonerakure are accused of targeting opponents in violent attacks. While the country appears to be experiencing a period of relative calm (certainly in comparison to the violent outbreaks seen throughout 2015 and 2016) the situation remains worrisome, particularly in Bujumbura, where the chance of politically motivated outbreaks of violence remains.

Advice

Individuals present in Bujumbura are advised to plan for alternate routes and modes of transportation during this period and to be prepared for increased security and possible travel delays.

More generally, individuals in Burundi - especially in Bujumbura - are advised to remain vigilant and to adhere to all instructions issued by the authorities. Travelers should avoid traveling by foot after nightfall, to only keep small amounts of cash on hand, and if driving, to park in a secured parking lot close to their destination. Be extremely vigilant in crowded places such as churches, markets, cafes, and bus stations. Flashpoints of violence should be avoided, including Bujumbura's Cibitoke, Jabe, Kamenge, Kanyosha, Kinama, Musaga, Mutakura, Ngagara, and Nyakabiga neighborhoods and Bujumbura Rural province.