Overview: Burundi has demonstrated a commitment to addressing international terrorism and contributed six battalions to the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). A counterterrorism cell, formed in 2010, consists of elements of the police, military, and the National Intelligence Service. In the aftermath of the September 2013 al-Shabaab attack in Nairobi, the Burundian National Police (BNP) conducted several counterterrorism operations throughout the country in an attempt to disrupt and dismantle potential terrorist operations. However, the BNP are hampered by a lack of training, resources, and infrastructure. In addition, the BNP has focused counterterrorism efforts on the Muslim community and foreigners in Burundi, rather than basing actions on operational intelligence. This reflects the BNP's belief that these groups pose the greatest terrorist threat to Burundi.

Legislation, Law Enforcement, and Border Security: Burundi has provisions in its penal code defining forms of terrorism. Sentences for acts of terrorism range from 10 to 20 years in prison to life imprisonment if the act results in the death of a person. Burundi continued its participation in the U.S. Department of State's Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) program and the International Law Enforcement Academy. Through ATA, Burundian National Police received training in 2013 to bolster its leadership and management skills and to build investigative capacity.

Countering the Financing of Terrorism: Burundi is not a member of a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body. This gap prevents any overall assessment of the risks the country faces in regards to terrorist financing. While the government has created counterterrorist financing laws, it has yet to commit funding, provide training, or implement policies. Very few people in the country have access to the formal banking sector. For further information on money laundering and financial crimes, see the 2014 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), Volume 2, Money Laundering and Financial Crimes: http://www.state.gov/j/inl/rls/nrcrpt/index.htm.

Regional and International Cooperation: Burundi is a member of the Partnership for Regional East Africa Counterterrorism; and as such, has received funding for military and law enforcement counterterrorism training. Burundi has cooperated with neighboring countries to exchange information on suspected terrorists. Burundi has also contributed six battalions to AMISOM to stabilize the situation in Somalia.

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