Warden Messages

U.S. Embassy Maseru, Lesotho

Warden Message

July 3, 2007

Dear Fellow American Citizens of Lesotho:

Opposition political parties have announced their intention to conduct a march in central Maseru on Thursday, July 5, culminating in delivery of a protest letter to the office of the Prime Minister located at the Qhobosheaneng Government Complex off Kingsway Avenue.   

Some opposition figures indicate that marchers plan a "sit-in" at the Government Complex unless authorities address their grievances related to allegations of extrajudicial detention and mistreatment of opposition supporters. Some opposition figures called on local transportation companies to ferry supporters to the march and to decline transportation for regular commuters going to and from their workplaces on July 5.

At this time, both the planned route for the march and the number of participants are unknown.  It is also unclear whether Lesotho Government security officials will authorize the march or if the march will take place in the absence of such authorization.

In light of the above uncertainties, the U.S. Embassy emphasizes that American citizens should continue to avoid large crowds and gatherings and to remain vigilant of their security and surroundings. The general security environment remains unpredictable. Be sure to keep in your possession at all times your passport, border passes, and resident permits. If you are living or traveling in Lesotho, be sure to register with the U.S. Embassy Maseru in person or through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Lesotho.

The Consular Section of the Embassy in Maseru, Lesotho is located at 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru. American citizens can call 22-312-666 during office hours from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday. For after-hours emergencies an American officer from the Embassy can be reached by cellular telephone at 5888-4035. The email address for the Consular Section in Maseru is USConsularMaseru@state.gov.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs internet website at http://travel.state.gov, where the current world-wide caution, 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. and Canada, 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.