2008 Warden Message, Number 15

May 23, 2008

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Harare from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Upcoming demonstration information follows:

There is a scheduled “solidarity and anti-imperialism” march by ZANU-PF party youths to kick off Robert Mugabe’s electoral campaign in Harare this Saturday, May 24.  The march is currently scheduled to begin at Hero’s Acre in Warren Park and proceed to ZANU-PF Headquarters on Rotten Row in Harare city center. If the march takes place, it will effectively shut down the Bulawayo road between these two locations.  The theme of the march also implies that the participants may be hostile to anyone they may identify as western or supporters of the opposition party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC). Americans should avoid this route on Saturday and exercise heightened caution while traveling in Harare throughout the weekend. The time and date and route may change with little notice.

In addition, this march may be composed of University of Zimbabwe students and so the University area (Alexandra Park, Groomsbridge and Eastern Avondale) should be avoided as well.  Also use caution when traveling on Churchill Rd or Second Street towards Rotten Row south of the university, as it is likely, if the march takes place, that students will use this route to return home. 

Finally, a funeral scheduled for a prominent MDC activist in the Mabvuku Township on Friday or Saturday could provoke instability or isolated clashes with police east of the city along Arcturus Road near the Donnybrook race track.  This area should be avoided as well.

We strongly recommend that American citizens register their presence in Zimbabwe via the Internet at https://travelregistration.state.gov  or in person at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, located at 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue (Tel. 263-4-250-593/4/5, email consularharare@state.gov).  In the event of an after-hours emergency, please call the above number and ask to be transferred to the duty officer.

We will continue to provide information to you via email, text message, the internet and Voice of America radio broadcasts (909 on the AM dial or on Shortwave at 4930, 13755 or 15775 Khz) as events unfold. You are always welcome to contact us at the phone, fax and email numbers listed above.

As the Department of State continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.