Burundi: Demonstrations planned throughout country November 18

Event

Demonstrations and marches are expected throughout Burundi, including in Bujumbura, on Saturday, November 18, according to the US Embassy in Bujumbura. The demonstrations are reportedly organized by the ruling National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD) party in celebration of Journée du Combattant ("Day of the Fighter"), commemorating CNDD-FDD soldiers who fought in the Burundian Civil War. Most such rallies will take place in the morning (local time) and will finish shortly after midday on Saturday, but related activities may take place later in the day. Traffic disruptions are expected in cities throughout the country, and particularly in Bujumbura, around the demonstrations. Though Saturday's planned events in Burundi are expected to be peaceful, politically motivated violence remains possible.

Context

Burundi's annual celebration of Journée du Combattant is the culmination of a larger, multi-day annual celebration dedicated to CNDD-FDD soldiers who fought in the Burundian Civil War.

The Burundian Civil War was an ethnic conflict fought from 1993-2005 between mainly ethnic Tutsi government forces and Hutu militias, including CNDD-FDD. The conflict, which ended with the inauguration of former CNDD-FDD chairman and current President Pierre Nkurunziza in August 2005, left around 300,000 people dead.

In general, political unrest persists throughout Burundi in the aftermath of the country's contested July 2015 elections. While the country appears to be experiencing a period of relative calm - 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. Maintain a particularly high level of situational awareness in crowded places such as churches, markets, cafes, and bus stations.

More generally, individuals in Burundi, and particularly 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.