Warden Messages

Possible Civil Disturbance

February 26, 2009

The U.S. Embassy is sending this Warden Message to alert the American community to a possible boycott of chapas (mini buses) in Maputo.  This boycott is expected to take place the morning of Friday, February 27, and to continue throughout the day.  The protesters are loosely organized and are using cell phone text messages to organize the protest. 
Some protesters may assemble and march through Maputo and the surrounding suburbs. 

Additionally, some chapas may not follow their normal routes or may not run at all.  There have also been major disruptions to cell phone service during previous protests.  In the past, protesters have made improvised road blocks and thrown rocks at passing vehicles. 

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  If caught in a demonstration, try to work your way out of the crowd and find a safe place in a restaurant, business, home or office.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Mozambique are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Mozambique.  For additional information on travel to Mozambique, see the State Department's Country Specific Information for Mozambique.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or Canada, or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, via a regular toll number at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy is located in Maputo at 193 Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, telephone (258) 21 49 2797. Non-emergency American Citizens Services are offered via the online appointment system.

The after-hours telephone numbers for use in emergencies are (258) 21 49 0723 and 21 49 2797. The Consular Section's e-mail address is consularmaputo@state.gov. The Embassy's web site is http://maputo.usembassy.gov/.