Warden message 2008, Number 10

2008 Warden Message, Number 10

April 14, 2008

This is a warden message from the U.S. Embassy in Harare.

This message is being issued to alert American citizens in Zimbabwe that the opposition political party, the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), has announced a "stay away" labor strike throughout the country beginning on Tuesday, April 15th and possibly continuing until the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission announces the results of the March 29 presidential election.  If the "stay away" takes place and is wide-spread, it has the potential to disrupt normal transportation, commerce and security operations.

American citizens should exercise caution when traveling throughout Zimbabwe in both urban and rural areas, should avoid public demonstrations and large gatherings, and should refrain from taking pictures or video of political demonstrations.  Avoid visiting high-density or industrial areas and any large gatherings or political rallies. If possible, carry a mobile phone or other means of communication.

To enhance security measures, the Government of Zimbabwe may set up roadblocks in the major cities. American citizens traveling by road should be prepared to produce identification, submit to searches of their vehicle, and carry a photocopy of their U.S. passports.

The US Embassy in Harare will be open for business Tuesday April 15th through Thursday, April 17th. The Embassy will be closed on Friday, April 18th in recognition of Zimbabwe Independence Day.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

American citizens can register their presence in Zimbabwe via the Internet at http://harare.usembassy.gov or in person at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, located at

172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue

(Tel. 263-4-250-593/4/5). In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.