Warden Messages

U.S. Embassy Maseru, Lesotho

Warden Message

March 13, 2007

Dear Fellow American Citizens in Lesotho:

The U.S. Embassy directs your attention to the opening of Lesotho’s Parliament, which is scheduled to take place at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2007. Opening ceremonies will likely continue for much of the morning, if not longer. This will be a very high-level affair with His Majesty King Letsie III participating along with senior Lesotho Government officials.

We have information that various political party supporters are likely to gather around the Parliament building before, during, and after the event. There are indications there may be efforts by some aggrieved party leaders to seat members of Parliament who are not recognized by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) or by parliamentary leaders. The Lesotho Mounted Police Service (LMPS) has stated that it will have a presence at the event and take measures to ensure the safety and security of the public.

Americans are advised to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid the area around the Parliament on Thursday, March 15. Parliament is located on Parliament Road near LMPS headquarters north of the Basotho National Party (BNP) Center.

Additionally, we wish to remind American citizens that it is prudent, wherever possible, to avoid large crowds or gatherings.

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 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 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.