Warden Messages

U.S. Embassy Maseru, Lesotho
Warden Message
June 18, 2007

Dear Fellow American Citizens of Lesotho:

The Government of Lesotho informed diplomatic missions on June 18 that it will maintain its curfew until further notice, in response to additional security incidents that occurred over the weekend of June 16-17.  Once again, armed assailants attacked security officials in a series of events, shooting a senior police officer, seizing weapons, and commandeering vehicles.  The GOL believes that active members of the military and/or law enforcement may be responsible for these attacks and for manning unauthorized security checkpoints.

Security officials are strictly enforcing curfew hours, which run daily from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., and detaining violators.  There have been reports of beatings at security checkpoints.

On the night of June 17, alleged security forces stopped a vehicle with diplomatic plates at a checkpoint in East Maseru.  Armed individuals forced the driver and passenger out at gunpoint and seized the vehicle.  Neither the driver nor the passenger was injured.

The security environment during curfew hours is unpredictable.  The U.S. Embassy Security reminds all American citizens to strictly adhere to the imposed curfew and to remain safely at home or at a secure location for the duration of curfew hours.  Continue to avoid large crowds or gatherings. 

If you are living or traveling in Lesotho, please 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.