Cankuzo, Burundi

By: Larry Greenlee

Senior Analyst
For: Naomi Wheeler
03/15/2015

Trip Reference Number: 203.BU20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 03/15/2015

General Information
Country Name: Republic of Burundi
Government: Burundi is governed under the constitution of
2005. The president, who is both head of state and head of
government, is popularly elected for a five-year term (but may
be elected by a two-thirds vote of Parliament); the president is
eligible for a second term. There is a bicameral Parliament.
The 54-seat Senate has 34 members who are elected by
indirect vote to serve five-year terms; the remaining seats are
assigned to ethnic groups and former heads of state. The 100-seat National Assembly
is 60% Hutu and 40% Tutsi, with at least 30% women; its members are elected by
popular vote to serve five-year terms.
Terrain: Burundi falls into three main geographic regions. The narrow area in the west,
which includes the Ruzizi River and Lake Tanganyika, is part of the western branch of
the Great Rift Valley and includes some lowland. To the east of this region are
mountains, which run north-south and reach an altitude of around 8,800 ft. Farther east
is a region of broken plateaus with somewhat lower elevations. The Province of
Cankuzo lies in this area which is also inclusive of the area with the majority of the
population of Burundi.
Climate: Burundi in general has a tropical highland climate, with a considerable daily
temperature range in many areas. Temperature also varies considerably from one
region to another, chiefly as a result of differences in altitude. The central plateau hosts
primarily cool weather, with an average temperature of 68 F. The area around Lake
Tanganyika is warmer, averaging 73 F. The highest mountain areas are cooler,
averaging 60 F. Rain is irregular, falling most heavily in the northwest. Dry seasons
vary in length, and there are sometimes long periods of drought. However, four seasons
can be distinguished: the long dry season (JuneAugust), the short wet season
(SeptemberNovember), the short dry season (DecemberJanuary), and the long wet
season (FebruaryMay). Most of Burundi receives between 51 to 63 inches of rainfall a
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Trip Reference Number: 203.BU20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 03/15/2015

year. The Ruzizi Plain and the northeast, which includes Cankuzo receive between 30
to 40 inches.
Language: The national language of Burundi is Kirundi. The official languages of
Burundi are Kirundi, French and English, although Swahili is also spoken. No other
languages are spoken natively in any significant numbers.
Population: The inhabitants of Burundi are divided among three ethnic groups: the
Hutus (about 85% of the population), who are mostly agriculturalists; the Tutsis (about
14%), who despite their relatively small numbers have historically dominated the
government and the army and are traditionally cattle raisers; and the Twa (Pygmies,
about 1%), who historically engaged in hunting and gathering. There are also small
minorities of Europeans and South Asians. The Tutsis and Hutus historically had a lordserf relationship, with Hutus tending the farmlands and cattle owned by the Tutsis.
Religions: About two thirds of the people of Burundi are Christian, mostly Roman
Catholic; about 25% follow traditional local and tribal beliefs and approximately 10%
follow Islam.
Culture: The culture of Burundi is based on local tradition and the influence of its
neighbors, though its prominence has been hindered by civil unrest. Traditional
drumming of karyenda is an important part of Burundian cultural heritage, as indicated
by the world-famous Royal Drummers of Burundi. Traditional dance often accompanies
the drumming, which is frequently seen in celebrations and family gatherings. Some
Burundian artisans have special songs to accompany different stages of their work.
During the 1972 genocide, many Burundians involved in higher education were killed,
stalling written culture. This, combined with the lower literacy rate, have encouraged an
adherence to Burundis strong oral tradition, which relays history and life lessons
through storytelling, poetry, and song. This is evident in kivivuga amazina, an
improvisational poetry contest played by cattle herders, in which they boast their
abilities or accomplishments. Soccer is a popular pastime throughout the country, as
are mancala games which are a form of board game played by moving beans, stones or
other markers across the board. Many Burundians celebrate Christian holidays and
Burundian Independence Day, though the largest celebration occurs on New Years
Day with feasting and traditional drumming and dancing. Burundian cuisine often
contains red kidney beans, and is not usually accompanied by sweet foods or dessert.
During celebrations and gatherings, Burundians drink homemade banana wine and
beer, sometimes drinking through straws from a single large container.

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Trip Reference Number: 203.BU20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 03/15/2015

Weather Forecast

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Trip Reference Number: 203.BU20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 03/15/2015

Threats and Vulnerabilities

Threats

Natural- Severe natural disasters are not prevalent in Burundi, but in the past have
been mostly dominated by severe drought followed by flooding in the wet season
and at times severe winds that have caused structural damage. Earthquakes have
been known to strike in Burundi but have not been known to cause any major
damage or loss of life.

Criminal- Crime poses a high risk for foreign visitors to Burundi in general. Due to
insufficient resources, local authorities in any part of Burundi are often unable to
provide timely assistance in emergencies. Foreigners, whether in vehicles or at
home, are always potential crime targets. Common crimes, often committed by
groups of armed bandits, include mugging, purse-snatching, pick-pocketing,
burglary, automobile break-ins and carjacking. It is advised to not leave valuable
items unattended in a hotel room. Many criminal incidents involve armed attackers.
As in any unfamiliar area, being aware of your surroundings and travelling in groups
will help to mitigate yourself as a potential crime victim.

Healthcare- Medical facilities in Burundi do not meet United States standards. You
should carry an ample supply of properly-labeled prescription drugs and other
medications with you, as certain medications and prescription drugs are unavailable
or in short supply. Locally acquired pharmaceuticals are frequently found to be
counterfeit and may contain none of the listed medication. Sterility of equipment is
questionable, and treatment is unreliable. Ambulance assistance is non-existent and
emergency services are all but unavailable. Hospital care in Burundi should be
considered in only the most serious cases and when no reasonable alternatives are
available. The risk from mosquito borne illnesses such as Yellow Fever and malaria
can be minimized by prevention of bites and Yellow Fever immunization.
All routine United States immunizations should also be up to date prior to arrival in
Burundi. This includes measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, Hepatitis A and
tetanus, all of which are more common in Burundi than in the United States. In
addition to the required Yellow Fever vaccine it is also recommended that all
travelers receive typhoid immunization.

Transportation- While travel on most roads is generally safe during the day,
travelers must maintain constant vigilance. There have been reports of violent
attacks on vehicles traveling the roads throughout the country. It is recommended
that U.S. citizens not travel on the national highways from dusk to dawn. Drivers
without valid permits, and the ease with which a driver's license can be acquired
without training, make Burundian drivers less careful, predictable, or mindful of
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Trip Reference Number: 203.BU20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 03/15/2015

driving rules than U.S. drivers may expect. Large holes or damaged portions of
roadway may be encountered anywhere in the country, including in Bujumbura.
When driving in the countryside off main roads, travelers should carry multiple spare
tires. During the rainy season, many side roads are passable only with four-wheel
drive vehicles. Burundis supplies of gasoline and diesel fuel are imported
predominantly from Kenya and Tanzania, and are relatively expensive due to high
transportation costs. Service stations are rare outside of the major cities.
Third-party insurance is required, and it will cover any damages in the event of an
accident (property, injury, or death).

Political- There is currently a U.S. State Department issued travel warning for
Burundi. The terrorist organization al-Shabaab, based in Somalia, has threatened to
conduct terror attacks in Burundi. It may also target U.S. interests in Burundi. Lowlevel political violence persists throughout Burundi a carryover of the Burundian
civil war.
Armed groups operate in Burundi. Weapons are easy to obtain and some excombatants have turned to crime or political violence. Public demonstrations in
Burundi are generally nonviolent and well controlled by the police. However, any
demonstration or spontaneous gathering has the potential to become violent.
Burundi has elections scheduled from May through August of 2015. Based on recent
elections, it is anticipated that the risk of political violence will likely increase before
during and immediately after the elections.

Vulnerabilities

Health- Preexisting conditions that require ongoing care should be considered

before traveling to Burundi. Medications needed should be packed in original
containers from your U.S. medical facility and instructions listed for a longer period
of time than initially planned for.

Training- Training in dealing with a Crisis Situation, Blending In, Cultural Awareness
and First Aid is recommended for travelers going to Burundi. The greatest
vulnerability for travelers to high risk regions is a lack of training and situational
awareness.

Experience- The travelers on this trip do have the experience necessary to react in
an appropriate manner if confronted with a crisis. Traveling in a group also
decreases the risk level and traveling with personnel who have been to Burundi also
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Trip Reference Number: 203.BU20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 03/15/2015

decreases risk. Training is still recommended and one should never rely on their
own experiences exclusively.

Electronic Communications- Communications in Burundi include fixed and mobile

telephones, as well as internet access. The telephone system is best described as a
sparse open-wire, radiotelephone communications, and low-capacity microwave
radio relays; telephone density is one of the lowest in the world with fixed-line
connections standing at well less than 1 per 100 persons. Mobile-cellular usage is
increasing but remains at roughly 20 per 100 persons. Internet access is limited and
can be accessed through fixed broadband.

Recent Significant Events

March 16, 2015 - Burundi opposition leader says wife injured in attack
Bujumbura - The wife of Burundi's top opposition leader was injured on Sunday
by a gunman who attempted to kill her in an attack in the country's capital.

March 16, 2015 - Tensions Rise in Burundi Ahead of June Presidential

Election Tensions have been rising in Burundi, a landlocked country in the
African Great Lakes region, ahead of presidential elections slated for June. Many
fear that incumbent President Pierre Nkurunziza, who has been in power since
2005, will seek a third term in the upcoming elections, despite the two-term limit
imposed by the constitution.

March 16, 2015 - Heavy rains hit southern Burundi At least nine people were
injured and hundreds of families are homeless after heavy rains hit a commune
in Burundis southern Rutana province on Saturday, local administrator said
Monday.

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Trip Reference Number: 203.BU20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 03/15/2015

Cultural Dos and Donts

Exchanges often include literal or figurative references to cattle. A typical greeting involves
both parties wishing each other large herds.
Handshakes are important, and the type varies by location. One version involves touching
one's left hand to the other person's elbow.
Children are highly valued. They are viewed partly as insurance for the future, as one
proverb suggests: "The greatest sorrow is to have no children to mourn for you.
Women are respected, particularly for their power as life bearers. The role of the mother is
highly honored, but in practice, women have little decision-making authority in the family or
in society as a whole. Fatherhood is considered an important responsibility, and it is the man
who is in charge of the family.
Respect for the Burundian Elders is a requirement. The younger people of the villages with
kinship systems show respect to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and to strangers. The
Burundians also show respect to younger and of same age. The Burundians show respect
and appreciate it in return.

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Trip Reference Number: 203.BU20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 03/15/2015

Important Contact Information

MSS: 1-855-572-3156
Insurance:
Local Contact: ______________
Local Emergency Numbers:
Police 117
Fire 118
Medical 257-225-050 or 257-228-435

U.S. Embassy/Consulate Location and Contact Information

Address:

American Embassy Bujumbura

B.P. 1720
Avenue Des Etats-Unis
Bujumbura, Burundi

Phone: +257 22-207-000, (after hours): +257 22-214-853

Fax: +257 22-222-926
E-Mail: N/A
Web Address: http://burundi.usembassy.gov/index.html
To reach the U.S. Embassy in case of emergencies outside of our regular working
hours, please call: (+257) 22-20-7318, or (+257) 79-938-841 if no answer.
Operational hours:

Mondays - Thursday 7:30 17:15

Fridays 7:30 12:30

This report has been classified as:

Confidential
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Trip Reference Number: 203.BU20

Prepared by: Larry Greenlee
Date: 03/15/2015

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is the cusomters responsibility to learn as much as possible about the risks of international travel and to
weigh those risks against the advantages, making a decision on whether to participate.

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