Update on Civil Disturbances

September 2, 2010

Demonstrations and clashes with security forces continue at various locations around Maputo. Some demonstrations are violent with demonstrators throwing rocks at passing vehicles, burning and or overturning them.  Roadblocks have been set up at various key intersections, some using burning tires.  The route to the airport is only intermittently passable.  Demonstrations are mobile and can change locations at any moment.  Gunshots have been reported throughout the city.  All private schools including the American International School remain closed.  Air travel service has been disrupted in light of the disturbance.  Please contact your airline for further information.

We urge American citizens to avoid all unnecessary travel and remain at your residence/hotel, especially after dusk, until further notice.  The U.S. Embassy will continue to operate, but will only provide emergency American citizen services.  All non-emergency embassy employees remain excused from duty. 

The Mission reminds U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid areas of demonstrations and to not cross picket lines.

As the Department of State continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

U.S. citizens living or traveling in Mozambique are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate at the Department of State travel registration page in order to obtain updated information on local travel and security.  U.S. citizens without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Registration is important; it allows the State Department to assist U.S. citizens in an emergency. 

U.S. Embassy Maputo
193 Avenida Kenneth Kaunda
Telephone (258) 21 49 2797
After-hours Emergency numbers: (258) 21 49 0723 and 21 49 2797
E-mail address: consularmaputo@state.gov