Burundi Country Report

Burundi was embroiled in a political crisis in 2015 following President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a controversial third term. Despite improved security and political environments since Nkurunziza's death in 2020 and the election of his successor Évariste Ndayishimiye, the propensity for political forces to resort to armed violence in their struggle for power is a major obstacle in the impoverished country's socio-economic development.

The main threats to foreign travelers are pervasive criminal activity, attacks linked to rebel activity, especially in border areas near the DRC, and safety hazards caused by medical and infrastructural deficiencies. The road network is generally very poor across the country, particularly outside of Bujumbura, making overland travel hazardous and time-consuming. Burundi is also prone to flooding during the rainy seasons, between February and May and between September and November, which has a severe impact on transportation infrastructure in many regions.

The propensity for actors previously involved in the country's civil war to continue resorting to armed violence to settle disputes remains an enduring trigger for violence and instability. Levels of violent and petty crime are significant throughout Burundi, driven by the fragile political situation, dire socio-economic conditions and the wide availability of weapons. There are concerns over political violence and terrorist activity in Burundi, although these are not specifically directed at foreign interests. Protests occur intermittently over political, environmental and socio-economic issues, with non-authorized gatherings often being met with an aggressive response from security forces.

The country's aviation industry is underdeveloped and the national carrier has been bankrupt since 2009 but several international airlines operate flights to Bujumbura International Airport (BJM).

Road travel in Burundi is hazardous due to the poorly maintained roads and vehicles, inadequate street lighting, and the lax enforcement of traffic laws.

The ports in Burundi are considered to be in a relatively good state.

Although electricity and communications infrastructure is adequate in Bujumbura, the electricity supply and communications networks are significantly less reliable outside of the capital and connectivity is limited in some areas.

There are increasing concerns over the threat from cyber-attacks, which can cause damage to the country's economy and public services.

Burundi has a tropical highland climate, with temperatures and rainfall amounts varying slightly depending on altitude. Burundi is not particularly susceptible to storms but experiences occasional flooding during the two rainy seasons February-May and September-November. The western part of the country is located in a seismically active region, although earthquakes are typically moderate intensity and rarely cause significant damage or casualties.

Malaria and cholera are significant public health concerns, with limited healthcare resources often preventing an adequate response to outbreaks. Medical facilities are limited and standards of care generally low, medical evacuation to a country with more advanced medical facilities will, therefore, often be necessary in the event of serious injury or illness.

Economic stagnation and a lack of investment throughout the country's political crisis have had a detrimental impact on the availability of health services in Burundi. The majority of the country's public health services are currently operated by NGOs such as Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) but these organizations have faced government interference and restrictions on their activities.

Some prescription and over-the-counter drugs may be unavailable or in short supply in the country and travelers should ensure they have sufficient supplies of any prescribed medication. Tap water is not safe to drink and some water sources can be dangerously polluted.

The propensity for both the ruling party and opposition groups to resort to armed violence in their struggle for power poses a continual threat to post-conflict political stability in Burundi. The country was embroiled in a political crisis in mid-2015 following President Pierre Nkurunziza's decision to run for a controversial third term. The government won a referendum in 2018, allowing Nkurunziza to run for additional terms, but allegations of voter intimidation, violence, and electoral irregularities dogged the referendum. Despite the constitutional reforms, Nkurunziza did not contest the country's May 2020 general election. The elections were won by Évariste Ndayishimiye, Nkurunziza's chosen successor. There was much speculation that the outgoing president continued to exercise significant political influence, but Nkurunziza died in June 2020. Since then, Ndayishimiye has launched several reforms to improve external relations, allowing the US and the EU to lift sanctions previously imposed as a result of the 2015 crisis despite frequent reports denouncing alleged human rights violations under Ndayishimiye’s ruling.

Corruption is pervasive and a significant obstacle for those operating in the country's business environment, with bribery and graft believed to be widespread at all levels of the government and security forces. The judiciary has not been immune from corruption and is not considered to be independent, while the effectiveness of police is undermined by a lack of training and resources as well as corruption.