To All American Citizens in Ethiopia: Warden Message - December 27, 2005

Warden Message - December 27, 2005
To all American Citizens in Ethiopia:
The U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia is issuing this Warden Message to alert U.S. citizens to security concerns prompted by recent events in Ethiopia. On Monday, December 26, local news sources reported there were unplanned civil disturbances near Ayer Tena, Addis Ketema, Kolfe, and Medhani-Alem high schools. Some policeman were injured and city bus windows broken by stones thrown by protesters. There are additional reports today, December 27, of civil disturbances near high schools in three areas of Addis Ababa.
The Embassy has received reports that unauthorized demonstrations may occur Wednesday, December 28 near Sidist Kilo in the area of the Federal High Court where a hearing will take place attended by jailed opposition leaders. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. Although violence is not expected, occurrences of violence during civil actions are unpredictable.
Americans should exercise prudence and caution in going about their normal activities and, as always, avoid public demonstrations and political rallies. Americans are advised to carry photo identification (such as your U.S. passport) with you at all times, and cooperate fully if confronted by law enforcement authorities.
Americans living or traveling in Ethiopia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ethiopia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Entoto Avenue, P.O. Box 1014, in Addis Ababa, telephone: 251-11-124-2424; emergency after-hours telephone: 251-11-124-2400; consular fax: 251-11-124-2435. For security updates, as well as more detailed travel and country specific information, visit the U.S. Embassy’s Consular Section website, http://addisababa.usembassy.gov/. American citizens who want to get an update on the security situation in Ethiopia, or report a problem should call the Embassy during normal business hours, 7:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Friday. Americans with emergency needs after hours should call 251-11-124-2400.

http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/warden122705.html