Warden Message

According to public statements made by representatives of the Maseru Regional Taxi Association, the Association may conduct a protest march on Monday, May 26.  A contingent of local taxi operators and their supporters will reportedly march along an as-yet undesignated route through central Maseru.  Participants may seek to present a letter of grievance to the Lesotho Government regarding an on-going dispute over the recent introduction of municipal buses.  According to the Taxi Association, if its demands are not addressed, members and supporters may conduct a general “stay away” (or strike) in the coming weeks.  

Local police contacts have not yet confirmed the specific route, time, or duration of the march.  It is possible that several hundred participants will walk or drive along Mpilo Road, pass the Cathedral area, and proceed to the Prime Minister’s office at the Government Complex.  Other possible routes include streets within or near the Stadium and/or Industrial areas.  Similar marches in the past have commenced around 10:00 a.m.

Local public transportation services may be disrupted during the Taxi Association’s protest events.  U.S. citizens in Lesotho are strongly encouraged to avoid the possible protest on Monday, May 26 or any subsequent protest events planned for these areas and to investigate alternate means of transportation.  The potential areas to avoid include Maseru city center, Setsoto Stadium in what is generally known as the Stadium Area, Cathedral Area, and the industrial neighborhood along Moshoeshoe Road. 

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Be sure to avoid large crowds, keep your vehicle windows closed, and lock your car doors. 

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 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 and9:00 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 USConsularMaseru@state.gov.