The U.S. Embassy in Maputo informs U.S. citizens of the wide distribution of social media posts and texts calling for protests and demonstrations against the central government of Mozambique in the past several days. We currently have no indication that these protests, demonstrations or disturbances will actually occur despite two distinct messages calling for protests on April 29-30 and May 3-7. In addition, no petitions to protest have been filed with the local government at this time. The embassy would like to reiterate that our security posture has not changed and we will continue to operate as normal.
U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Out of an abundance of caution, some schools and businesses are making contingency plans for closure on these days. Some foreign embassies have released security notices for their citizens warning of potential demonstrations.
The U.S. embassy will continue to monitor the situation and update the U.S. citizen community with any pertinent changes to the security situation as appropriate. Our standing guidance is to remain vigilant, monitor local media reports and avoid large crowds. Make sure you have a means of communication with you at all times and that your mobile phone is charged. Maintain an adequate supply of food and water for emergencies, and enough gas in your car to last several days.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information for Mozambique.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Maputo in Maputo, located at 193, Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, and is open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. You may also call 21-49-2797 during normal business hours, 84-306-6480 during after-hours.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
- Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
