Burundi-warning

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risks of travel to Burundi.? This notice replaces the warning of travel for Burundi, dated dated May 19, 2010, provide information about travel and in Burundi, and information security for the staff of the Embassy restrictions be reviewed.? Burundi has been gripped by a civil war from 1993 to 2006, which often involves non-governmental targets and non-combatants.? In December 2008, the Government and the last rebel group, PALIPEHUTU-FNL, signed their final ceasefire agreement. ?In 2009, the rebels demobilized according to the terms of the agreement and registration as a recognized political party officially known as the FNL. ?Between May and September 2010, Burundi has organized a series of five elections covering all the elected representatives of the offices at all levels of Government the national and international observers considered as trustworthy.? Some opposition parties say that the elections were fraudulent, however, and the potential for the continuation of the political conflict remains high. Burundi continues to suffer politically motivated attacks.? In October, 2010, an unidentified armed group attacked the residence of a government official Bujumbura.? Security forces responded in an exchange of shots which lasted almost an hour.? American citizens should avoid potential political targets such as headquarters of the party and the meeting spots.? Exchanges of gunfire and grenade attacks are common even in densely populated urban areas.? U.S. citizens should stay indoors, in an interior room on the ground floor, if the fire is nearby.? There is no known militia groups operating in Burundi; However, weapons are readily available and some veterans may turn to crime or political violence.? Crime, often committed by groups of armed bandits or street children, poses the highest risk for foreign visitors in Bujumbura and Burundi in General.? Common crimes include thefts, burglaries, theft and carjackings.? Visitors should keep the vehicle doors locked and Windows up and be careful when you stop in traffic important because of the threat of robbery.? The US Embassy has received reports of armed criminals ambushing vehicles, particularly on the roads leading from Bujumbura.? The Embassy of the United States prohibits the US Government staff of walking the streets after dark at night and use local public transport at any time.? Due to lack of resources, in any part of the Burundi authorities are often unable to provide rapid assistance in an emergency.? American citizens should be aware that even peaceful rallies and demonstrations may escalate. ?American citizens residing or traveling in Burundi are requirement to maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid political rallies, demonstrations and crowds of any kind. ?Even apparently peaceful sporting events can become politicized and escalate.? American citizens should monitor the situation via the internet and local media.? Traffic congestion significant, shortages of availability of accommodation and large crowds across the country, particularly in Bujumbura, are likely to interfere with travellers. ? The Embassy of the United States continues to warning us citizens travelling outside the gifts of the capital, Bujumbura, significant risks, especially after the dark.? The Embassy of the United States restricts the movement of its personnel in Burundi: less than 30 km of the city, employees can move in unique vehicles, but must check in and out with the Embassy.? Regional security officer (RSO) of the Embassy must pre-approve all movements of personnel Embassy outside this radius of about 30 km from Bujumbura, and employees must travel by a route approved in convoys of two vehicles equipped with satellite phones and emergency equipment.? All the movements employed out of town after dark the night is prohibited; the Embassy recommends that American citizens not travel on the national road from dusk to dawn. ?US citizens are also encouraged to avoid travel in the city of Bujumbura after midnight.? Corruption is endemic in Burundi and contribute to an environment where the rule of law is not respected.? Officials frequently require bribes to provide routine services.? Travelers are frequently is arrested, interviewed and bribes sought by security forces at numerous throughout the country and official road blocks. ?Similarly, criminals who have paid local officials can work without fear of prosecution. U.S. citizens who travel to or to remain in Burundi despite this travel warning are requested to contact the Embassy of the United States in Bujumbura for more information about the latest directives of Embassy security and to register for the registration of the Department of State travel Web site.? By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in an emergency.? U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy of the United States in Bujumbura at the Avenue of the United States.? Hours for Services to the citizens of America non-urgent are 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Monday and Wednesday and 9: 00 to 12: 00 Friday.? The consular section of the Embassy can be reached by telephone, including emergency after normal hours, 22-20-7000 (257), or by fax to (257) 22-22-2926.? Security information for the citizens of the United States in Burundi are displayed on the site Web of Bujumbura the Embassy. For more information, see country specific information for the State Department for Burundi and the current worldwide caution Travel Alert, available on the Office of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov.? Information updates on travel and security in Burundi are available at 1 888 407 4747 without charge to the United States and the Canada for the appellants in other countries, a regular toll-free at 202-501-4444.? These figures are available from 8: 00 to 20: 00 Eastern time, Monday to Friday (except for U.S. Federal holidays).