The U.S. Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mozambique that general elections will take place on Wednesday, October 15, 2014. Official campaigning began on August 31. As with all elections, the U.S. Embassy in Maputo urges U.S. citizens to exercise caution during the election period, review recent Security Messages on the Embassy’s website, and carefully consider whether travel is necessary during this period, namely in the week prior to the elections and the days following. This Travel Alert will expire on October 31.
Although widespread violence is not anticipated, electoral periods typically result in localized demonstrations that can turn violent, the possible use of force by security services to handle demonstrations or incidents of public disorder, and disruption of transportation services. Depending on election results, unrest and the potential for violence may increase immediately following the election.
We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. U.S. citizens in Mozambique are strongly urged to avoid voter polling places, demonstrations, political rallies, or large crowds of any kind during the election period.
The U.S. Embassy is closely monitoring election activity throughout Mozambique, and will provide updates as the situation warrants on the Embassy website and via Facebook and Twitter. U.S. citizens should regularly monitor these sites and local media outlets for updates. U.S. citizens should also be aware of their surroundings and exercise good judgment in the coming weeks. General information on preparing for emergencies is available on U.S. Embassy Maputo’s website.
As a general reminder, U.S. citizens are further advised to review personal security plans; remain aware of surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions from local authorities.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Mozambique enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Mozambique. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
The U.S. Embassy is located in Maputo at 193 Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, telephone (258) 21 492797. 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 U.S. Embassy's website is http://maputo.usembassy.gov/.
