Burundi: Nationwide protests May 13

Event

On Saturday, May 13, nationwide demonstrations are planned to commemorate the failed coup of May 2015. Protesters in the capital Bujumbura are expected to gather around Centre-Ville at an unspecified time and may march to other locations in the city. Traffic disruptions and road closures are possible in the morning but are expected to end by the afternoon. Similar events are also likely elsewhere in the country, including Bururi, where demonstrators have been called to gather and march beginning at 07:30 (local time) to denounce coups d’état. Transportation disruptions and increased security should be anticipated surrounding all gatherings.

Context

On May 13, 2015, General Godefroid Niyombare of the Burundi Army attempted a coup while President Pierre Nkurunziza was in Tanzania for a political summit. General Niyombare took control of parts of Bujumbura, but the coup was routed and President Nkurunziza regained full control of the country by May 15.

More generally, 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 Burundi should avoid public gatherings, especially those with no visible security presence, and are advised to maintain a high level of vigilance at all times. 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.

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, only keep small amounts of cash on hand, and if driving, park in a secured parking lot close to their destination. Drive with, doors locked, windows rolled up, and with all valuables hidden from sight. Keep your phone charged and with you at all times.