Rumonge, Burundi

Capital City

The population of Rumonge is just 35,931, making it Burundi's fourth largest city. That may seem like a quaint size, but this port town on the shores of Lake Tanganyika has seen its share of upheaval in recent years. Flooding in 2024 displaced hundreds of families, and attacks by the Congolese rebel group March 23 Movement in 2025 severely disrupted trade. With the city's river banks and palm groves damaged, and merchants from neighboring cities no longer visiting, Rumonge's economy has taken a beating. For those willing to navigate the persistent bureaucratic and security headaches, it may offer an affordable lakefront lifestyle. But this is no idyllic tropical getaway - Rumonge is a city in flux, requiring a thick skin and nimble problem-solving skills.