December 11, 2017
Security Message for U.S. Citizens – Nationwide Protests on December 13
The U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe informs U.S. citizens that daylong demonstrations are expected to take place nationwide in Malawi beginning at 8:30am on Wednesday, December 13.
The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) will be demonstrating with a stated purpose of “Time to Reclaim our Destiny.” According to PAC, this includes such issues as electoral reform bills, Malawi’s electricity supply, and corruption. Protestors are being encouraged to wear red shirts. There is no indication these protests are directed towards the United States or U.S. citizens.
PAC has announced the following starting and ending locations in Lilongwe, Blantyre, Zomba, and Mzuzu. Please note there may be additional protests in other locations in Malawi.
Lilongwe – From the community centre ground to the city assembly.
Blantyre – From the clock tower to civic offices.
Mzuzu – From Katoto Secondary School to civic offices.
Zomba – From Zomba Community ground to Mponda Freedom Park.
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.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Malawi’s Country Specific Information.
- 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 Lilongwe, located on Kenyatta Drive, Area 40, Plot 24, Lilongwe 3, at 1-733-166,open Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is 01-773-166, ext. 3443 (if in Malawi) or 011-265-1-773-166, ext. 3443 (if in the U.S.). If the land line is malfunctioning, please call the following mobile number 0999-591-024 and 0888-734-826 (if in Malawi) or 011-265-999-591-024 and 011-265-888-734-826 (if in the U.S.).
