Burundi

Communication Style

• Most people tend to be very indirect, talking around issues instead of discussing them directly. Conversations are usually preceded by questions about the family, etc. and other niceties.
• When first meeting someone, it is best to broach neutral topics of conversation such as peace, health, family, and work. Subjects to be avoided include anything related to ethnicity, regionalism, sexuality, religion, or any criticism of government politics or authorities.
• Ethnicity has divided Burundians for more than 37 years and the country has endured several ethnic and political crises. The Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups both claim to be victims and vehemently accuse one another of being responsible for each other’s problems.
• Humor is acceptable, but do not go overboard as you will not be taken seriously. Avoid sarcasm as it will most likely be misunderstood.

Personal Space & Touch

• Personal space depends on the relative rank of people’s positions: the greater the gap in rank, the greater the distance maintained and it is usually up to the individual of higher rank to tell you to mover closer. A little less than an arm’s length apart tends to be the norm.
  
• Good friends and family will stand much closer together. People tend to touch one another when speaking. Again this is more common between friends and family.
  
• Touching someone shows that you know him/her well and is not advisable unless the individual indicates this is okay and is at the same level as you (for instance, he/she may pat you on the shoulder).
  
• People who know each other well and meet after being apart for a while will generally hug three times.
  

Eye Contact

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Taboos

• Avoid asking questions about ethnic origins (Hutus and Tutsis), or even referring to them. As a foreigner, you should keep in mind that they are all Burundians.

Dress

• The way you dress is important as "the clothes make the man" and it is an indication of your social position and importance.
  
• High-level administrators or representatives should wear suits (jackets) and a tie and dress shoes, or at the very least long-sleeved shirts with a tie. Lighter outfits often replace suits and it is best to wear dark or neutral colors.
  
• Lower-ranking employees can get away without a jacket or tie.
  
• For women dresses and conservative blouses or tops are common. It's best to dress up rather than down and limiting accessories and make-up is a good way to go.
  
• Jeans, t- shirts, shorts and running shoes are considered to be very casual and are only acceptable for outdoor activities and on the weekend.

Titles & Business Cards

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Meetings

• Don't be surprise that for every meeting, there will be a coffee break during the meeting or after the meeting. The refreshments usually are more than just coffee ranging from local kuih to rice dishes.