Security Overview for Burundi

Burundi is currently facing a political crisis that emerged from the 2010 national elections. Expatriates in Burundi should be aware of the controversies and interact with the community carefully. Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza is serving a second term in office, and his party, the National Council for the Defense of Democracy-Forces for the Defense of Democracy (CNDD-FDD), has the majority in the parliament and the senate. The opposition, however, rejected Nkurunziza's victory following the most recent vote, and, not surprisingly, tensions between the ruling party and the opposition remain high. Critics accuse Nkurunziza of having little interest for government affairs and of allowing army generals from the CNDD-FDD to run the country.

The situation is complicated by ongoing activities by armed men believed to be members of the former rebel group, the National Liberation Forces (FNL), in the most western provinces and on the outskirts of Bujumbura commonly called Bujumbura Rurale. Despite a ceasefire agreement, some elements of the FNL continue to carry out occasional attacks against government positions in the provinces of Bujumbura Rurale, Cibitoke and Bubanza. The situation has been spurred by the inflexibility of the CNDD-FDD government, which feels empowered by its 2010 electoral victory even as it is weakened by internal divisions and the crisis with the political opposition.

There are growing fears from some residents that the country might slide back into civil war due to continued clashes between the FNL and government forces. A return to full war is unlikely in the near future. FNL leader Agathon Rwasa went into exile after he deliberately boycotted the 2010 presidential election. He is believed to be hiding in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). FNL and several other political parties charged that the May local elections were fraudulent and refused to take part in the presidential, parliamentary and legislative polls. Rwasa has been accused of wanting to continue military operations to force concessions from the government. The FNL accuses the CNDD-FDD of being behind the divisions within their movement.

The FNL's approach to the country's crisis is also partially to blame, as the group continues to give the conflict an ethnic emphasis. The FNL still believes the struggle is between the majority Hutu and the minority Tutsi, while the rival Hutu-dominated CNDD-FDD embraces the 2000 Arusha power-sharing agreement between Hutus and Tutsis.

Crime is a major concern, particularly in Bujumbura, Gitega, Kirundo and Ngozi. Rates of violent carjacking, assault, robbery, and murder are alarmingly high, and are a vivid reflection of poverty and the proliferation of small arms that are the result of the civil war. Law enforcement remains poor despite ongoing reforms. The army changed its name from the Burundian Armed Forces (FAB) to the National Defense Forces (FDN). Policing functions, which were previously the duty of the gendarmerie, have now been relayed to a new police force, the National Police of Burundi (PNB). Labor unrest is a common problem, and though demonstrations occur frequently, they are mostly peaceful. Political protests and rallies, on the contrary, can turn violent. Security forces often use force to disperse political demonstrations.

Road travel is also dangerous due to the threat of numerous deadly rebel ambushes targeting vehicles. Roads are frequently closed when the army conducts sweep operations in rebel-infested areas. Expect roadblocks and checkpoints. Travel along any of Burundi's borders is highly discouraged due to active rebel movements in neighboring countries. Avoid all road travel at night.

Public transport is not secure in the city or within the country's interior. If travel within Bujumbura or the interior of the country is absolutely necessary, hire a local driver and private 4WD vehicle. Ask your hosts about possible threats and for updated recommendations on the most secure means of transport.

There is no terrorist group operating in Burundi, but authorities always put the city of Bujumbura on high alert due to a threat from the Somalia Al-Qaeda affiliate group Al-Shabaab, which has repeatedly said it will carry out an attack in the country for Burundi's participation in the Africa Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.