2008 Warden Message, Number 22

June 22, 2008

This warden message is to alert American Citizens to reports of unconfirmed shootings on Sunday morning in Harare, near Mbare.. There are also media reports that ruling party ZANU-PF supporters have taken over an opposition party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) rally at Glamis Stadium in the Belvedere area of Harare, near the Rainbow Towers Hotel. As there is a strong potential for violence from this confrontation, Americans should avoid the area. There are also reports that the ZANU-PF will be holding a rally Sunday in Newlands.

In advance of the June 27 Presidential runoff between President Robert Mugabe and MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai, the American Embassy continues to recommend that Americans exercise heightened caution and avoid all unnecessary travel in Harare and across Zimbabwe . We also urge all Americans to avoid high-density suburbs and any large gatherings.

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.