May 15, 2015
Due to the current situation in Bujumbura, the State Department today ordered the departure of all eligible family members and non-emergency personnel over the next few days. The State Department will continue to assess the situation on the ground with the U.S. Embassy in Burundi to determine when it is safe for Embassy staff to return.
The Embassy recommended this step following the determination that the deteriorating security situation in Bujumbura presented a threat to personnel and their family members. We have also issued a number of security messages to U.S. Citizens advising about the current situation and the embassy’s position. The U.S. Embassy also recommends that U.S. citizens currently residing in Burundi depart. Please review our latest U.S. Citizen warden message at: https://bi.usembassy.gov/ .
The Embassy will remain open for emergency services to U.S. citizens and for essential Embassy activities as our commitment to Burundi and its people has not waned. We will continue our efforts to bring stability and unity back to Burundi. We support the mediation efforts underway with the East African Community, the African Union and the United Nations. We reiterate our call on all parties to cooperate, avoid violence and find a peaceful solution so the human rights of all Burundians are respected.