Warden Messages

U.S. Embassy Maseru, Lesotho

Warden Message

February 27, 2007

Dear Fellow American Citizens in Lesotho:

Shortly after midnight the morning of Tuesday, February 27, 2007 an unidentified gunman sprayed a barrage of gunfire at a residence occupied by American citizens working for a USG-based non-governmental organization. The residence is owned by a former senior official of the government of Lesotho. The incident occurred in the area close to White City along Pope John Paul II Road. There were no injuries and no known motive at this time. The case is under investigation. The security officer of the U.S. Embassy is at the site and remains in communication with local law enforcement and security officials.

There are yet-to-be-confirmed reports that there are work stoppages planned for Wednesday, February 28. These so-called "stay-aways" could cause disruption of some local services, including transportation networks and possibly other commercial services.  Please take the necessary steps to ensure you have adequate food and/or emergency supplies in case of any disruption. 

The U.S. Embassy strongly advises continuation of your heightened vigilance to your personal safety. We continue to urge each of you not only to take greater precautionary measures but also to ensure that the security tools at your disposal are used and maintained. If you have a security alarm, use it. Make sure it is in proper working order by checking it routinely and having it serviced regularly. If you have a security guard then provide him with instructions and ensure he understands them. Make sure your security lights are all functioning and replace burned out bulbs immediately.

We are pleased that U.S. citizens continue to register with the Department of State in person or on-line. We encourage all our 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 directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy.

The Consular Section of the Embassy in Maseru, Lesotho is located at 254 Kingsway Avenue, Maseru 100. 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 e-mail address for the Consular Section in Maseru is Consular,Maseru@state.gov <mailto:Maseru@state.gov.