2008 Warden's Message, Number 17

June 6, 2008

This warden message is to inform American citizens in Zimbabwe of a heightened risk of violence at roadblocks throughout the country following an incident between US Embassy diplomatic staff and Zimbabwean government officials on June 5th outside Mazowe. In the days leading up to the June 27th runoff between President Mugabe and opposition candidate Morgan Tsvangirai, there is growing lawlessness, particularly in rural areas, and an increased risk for Westerners and Americans in particular, to be targeted for intimidation by security forces and so-called "war veterans." Americans should carefully evaluate the need to travel around Zimbabwe by road, and make alternate plans when possible. If traveling by road, Americans should make sure they have working communication devices, and evidence of their citizenship such as photocopy of the face page of the passport. Americans should also notify a trusted friend or family member of their itinerary and expected departure and arrival times.

Also, the Government of Zimbabwe announced a blanket indefinite suspension of all international aid and development work in Zimbabwe. While the Embassy is working to clarify the terms of the suspension, we currently believe the Government of Zimbabwe could take an expansive definition of what action constitutes aid or development work, and will be watching in particular food distribution and feeding programs. The US Embassy strongly recommends that all Americans in Zimbabwe avoid any action that could be seen as violating this suspension; as such actions could result in arrest, deportation, or possibly violence.

Americans should again review the newly issued 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.