The U.S. Embassy has received information of probable Burundi National Police training this Sunday, December 17, which may include controlled explosive detonations as part of the exercise. The training explosions are expected to occur between 0800-1300 hours and will take place in Ngagara Q10 at the National Police Headquarters. The public should expect to hear detonations related to this training throughout the day. The Embassy’s Regional Security Officer (RSO) recommends that if you hear anything beyond this that you feel is outside of the norm to contact the U.S. Embassy duty officer or Post One at the contact information provided below.
Updates on this issue will be sent out as needed.
This event is expected to be controlled and safe; nonetheless, avoid the area if possible and exercise caution around the area. Review your personal security plans, remain aware of your surroundings—including local events—and monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.
For further information:
· See the State Department’s travel website (http://travel.state.gov/) for the Worldwide Caution (http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html) , Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Burundi
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) (https://step.state.gov/step/) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
· Contact the U.S. Embassy in Burundi (http://burundi.usembassy.gov/) , located at Avenue des Etats-Unis and Avenue du Cinquantenaire in Bujumbura, at +257-22-20-7000 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +257-22-20-7318 or +257-79-93-8841.
· Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
· Follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/travelgov) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/travelgov) .