Warden Message: Rwanda Demonstrations Near ICTR Headquarters

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Kigali issued the following Warden Message on November 20:

The Embassy has learned that demonstrations have been scheduled for today, Friday, November 20^th at 2:00PM near the ICTR (International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda) headquarters offices in the Remera section of Kigali in protest of two recent acquittals.

A similar demonstration held yesterday with estimated 2,000 – 3,000 participants was peaceful.  While ongoing demonstrations are expected to be peaceful, we wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

Please be advised that movements within Kigali and other major towns may be restricted due to large crowds and blocked streets. 

U.S. citizens residing or traveling in Rwanda are encouraged to register with the Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ to obtain updated travel and security information.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the Embassy.  Registration is important; it allows the Embassy and the State Department to assist you in an emergency.

The Embassy is located at 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie; the mailing address is B.P. 28, Kigali, Rwanda; tel. [250] (252) 596-400; fax: [250] (252) 596-591.  The Embassy’s website is http://rwanda.usembassy.gov/.  The consular section’s email address is consularkigali@state.gov.  American Citizens Services hours are Tuesdays from 09:00 to 17:00 and Fridays from 09:00 to 12:00, except for U.S. and Rwandan holidays.  For after-hours emergencies, please call [250] (078)830-0345.