Four Canadians have managed to escape Burundi to Rwanda with help from the U.S. government, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The east African nation was plunged into crisis when its president, Pierre Nkurunziza, announced that he was seeking a third term in June elections. Mass protests began three weeks ago, which police have tried to quell at the cost of at least 15 lives.
The situation in Burundi escalated even further last week, when a general announced a coup, which was snuffed out two days later by loyalist troops.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the four Canadians were placed on departure flights with aid from the U.S. government on Sunday from the capital of Bujumbura to Kigali, Rwanda.
It added that Canadians who are still in Burundi should consider leaving the country on a commercial flight.
The airport in Bujumbura is reported to be "operational," but delays and cancellations are to be expected.
The Canadian government also advised against all travel to Burundi "due to ongoing political tensions and civil and military unrest."
Canadians in the country who are in need of emergency assistance are being told to contact the High Commission of Canada in Kenya at 254-20-366-3000 or the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development's Emergency Watch and Response Centre at 613-996-8885.
