Warden Message June 8, 2005

This message is being issued to alert American citizens in Zimbabwe to the possibility of non-violent mass action and demonstrations throughout the country June 9 and 10. There have been widespread media reports of an opposition-organized  “stay-away” where opposition supporters and sympathsizers would stay home from work in protest of government’s “Operation Restore Order.” If the “stay away”  takes place and is wide-spread manner, it has the potential to disrupt normal transportation, commerce and security operations.  Encounters between demonstrators and police could become violent, as well as encounters between those observing the “stay away” and Zimbabweans who choose to go work anyway.
 
American citizens should exercise caution when traveling throughout Zimbabwe, in both urban and rural areas, should avoid public demonstrations and large gatherings, and should refrain from taking pictures or video of political demonstrations. 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 and submit to searches of their vehicle. Continued shortages of food, fuel, and cash could result in spontaneous riots.
 
The US Embassy in Harare will be open for business during normal hours on both days.
 
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 via the Internet at http://harare.usembassy.gov or in person at the U.S. Embassy in Harare, located at 172 Herbert Chitepo Avenue.