Warden Message

 

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy
Maseru, Lesotho

May 29, 2008

Transportation Disruptions and Possible Stay-Away

Throughout the morning of Thursday, May 29, groups of individuals prevented taxis and buses in several Maseru neighborhoods from picking up or transporting passengers.  According to eyewitnesses, some members of these protest groups, apparently in an effort to support taxi operators in an ongoing transportation dispute, threw rocks, blocked roads, and forcibly removed passengers from vehicles.  These actions led to a confrontation between protesters and police in the Lekhaloaneng area along the Main South 1 Highway.  Shots were fired in several neighborhoods and several vehicles were damaged, although it is unclear whether there were any injuries.  These incidents disrupted traffic flow and public transport in several neighborhoods, including Main South, Thetsane, and other roads leading into Maseru.  The U.S. Embassy received reports of an increased number of police/military checkpoints along Maseru’s principal roads.

The U.S. Embassy strongly advises American citizens in Lesotho to avoid areas south of the city, particularly the Main South 1 Highway.  In addition, American citizens should be especially cautious on the roads leading to and from Lesotho's international airport, King Moshoeshoe 1 Airport, and the city of Roma. 

This morning’s events follow a related incident yesterday, Wednesday, May 28, in the Liphopeng area.  According to a statement by the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, a confrontation between taxi operators and security personnel guarding a government-operated bus resulted in the shooting and serious injury of one of the protesters.

Taxi operators have indicated that they may implement an organized taxi strike (“stay-away”) in the coming days.  There may be further disruption of traffic and public transportation as well as increased safety and security risks.  Please maintain full security awareness, consider alternatives to public transport, avoid large crowds or confrontations, and keep communication tools available (including two-way radios, as appropriate).

Again, we wish to remind American citizens that even protests intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are, therefore, urged to avoid the areas of protests, if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protest.

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.