Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Update – Violence in Sofala, Manica, and Zambezia Provinces

The U.S. Embassy in Maputo informs U.S. citizens of continued unrest in the central region of the country, including deadly clashes between Government of Mozambique forces and armed elements of leading opposition party Renamo in the provinces of Sofala, Manica, and the southern portion of Zambezia.  There have been confirmed unattributed shooting incidents involving government and civilian vehicles in the region, most recently along the EN7 in Manica province and the EN1 in southern Zambezia province.  The most recent shootings caused at least two fatalities and an unknown number of injuries involving passengers of a bus operated by Nagi Investmentos.  The Embassy is also monitoring reports of clashes in eastern Tete province bordering Malawi.  The Mozambican government now requires military escort for any vehicles traveling on the EN1 between the Save River and Muxungue, as well as between Nhamapadza and Caia.

U.S. Embassy officials have been restricted from traveling on the EN1 and the EN6 in central Mozambique and by motor vehicle in the following areas of Sofala, Manica, or Zambezia provinces: on the EN1 between the Save River and the city of Nicoadala (Zambezia); travel on the EN6 between Beira and Chimoio; and travel on the EN7 between Nova Vanduzi and Luenha (on the border of of Tete Province).  The Embassy is also discouraging unnecessary ground travel that does not utilize the EN6, EN1 or EN7 in Manica, Sofala, and the districts of Zambezia province bordering Sofala.  Further, if the Government institutes additional military convoys, the Embassy advises against travel in those areas even under escort.

U.S. citizens are advised to monitor news reports, remain apprised of such events, and determine if travel in these areas is necessary.

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).
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