2008 Warden Message, Number 21

June 20, 2008

This warden message is to alert American Citizens to growing political violence in Harare and other urban areas across Zimbabwe. In Harare, recent activity has been centered around ZANU-PF youth bases in Pomona, Chisipite, Greendale and Hatcliffe, as well as the larger high-density suburbs.   The ZANU-PF youth are engaged in widespread harassment of Zimbabweans in advance of the June 27 Presidential runoff between President Robert Mugabe and opposition party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

This political harassment includes verbal and physical assaults, abductions, and forced attendance at ZANU-PF political rallies. The harassment is random and anyone could become a target. This harassment has been more active at night and on weekends, although smaller groups are also active in the daytime. Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) have been slow to become involved and may not offer protection from these assaults. Americans should exercise increased caution when traveling throughout the city, particularly in the areas named above. Chisipite Shops should be avoided entirely. Americans should avoid any confrontation with ZANU-PF activists.  Do not engage in political discussions or argue with activists. Avoid all large gatherings.

Much of the ZANU-PF harassment in the northern suburbs has been targeted at domestic employees. If you employ domestic staff and believe they may become a target, Americans should brief them about the situation, adjust their hours or recommend they stay home or stay at your home until the situation normalizes.

Americans should again review the Travel Alert for Zimbabwe at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3234.html.

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.