Warden Message: Violent Lesotho Demonstrations

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Maseru issued the following Warden Message on October 23:

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens of a protest march by National University of Lesotho (NUL) students that began on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, and led to a riot on Thursday, October 22, at the campus located in the city of Roma. According to local press, Roma Police were called in on Thursday to assist campus security in diffusing the situation. Initial reports indicate that Thursday’s riot resulted in up to 17 injuries and 1 death.  Students have now been evacuated from the NUL campus.  American citizens are advised to exercise caution throughout the city of Roma. 

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Lesotho from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy in Maseru’s website and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  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. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy continues to encourage U.S. citizens living in or traveling in Lesotho to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Lesotho.  Americans without Internet access may register in person at the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.

The U.S. Embassy in Maseru is located at 254 Kingsway Avenue, tel. (266) 2231-2666. The after-hours emergency telephone number is (266) 5888-4035. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Embassy website is http://maseru.usembassy.gov/.