The US Department of State has issued a travel warning, stressing the security problems that continue to plague Burundi.
Though a ceasefire between the government and the PALIPEHUTU – FNL rebel group was signed in 2006, rural areas surrounding the capital, Bujumbura, are still frequent.
The statement reads: "Crime, often committed by groups of armed bandits or street children, poses the highest risk for foreign visitors to Bujumbura and Burundi in general. Common crimes include muggings, burglaries, robberies, and carjackings."
It adds: "Visitors should be careful when stopped in heavy traffic due to the threat of robbery by roving bands of criminals. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of armed criminals ambushing vehicles, particularly on the roads leading out of Bujumbura."
Travellers are advised to avoid road travel between dusk and dawn and to stay off the streets after dark.
President Nkurunziza recently met with the UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon, as well as African Union representatives, regarding the resumption of peace talks.
