2008 Warden Message, Number 1

Embassy of the United States of America
Harare, Zimbabwe

January 18, 2008

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

This message is being issued to alert American Citizens in Zimbabwe to a possible march by opposition party Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) supporters in central Harare on Wednesday, January 23rd.  If the demonstration takes place and is large in scale, it has the potential to disrupt normal transportation, commerce and security operations. Current reports indicate the march is scheduled to begin between 10 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., near the Harare Gardens (between Herbert Chitepo and Samora Machel Avenue at Leopold Takawira) and progress to the City Sports Club near the Agricultural Showgrounds, after making a loop through the city center.  However, the starting point, direction the march will take, and start time are all subject to change.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Accordingly, American citizens should exercise caution when traveling throughout Harare, particularly in the city center, should avoid public demonstrations and large gatherings, and should refrain from taking pictures or video of political demonstrations.  Travel in and around high-density or industrial areas should also be avoided.  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 during normal hours on Wednesday.

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.