Lesotho Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens

Lesotho Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens

Press Statement
Jen Psaki
Department Spokesperson
Washington, DC
September 1, 2014

The United States remains deeply concerned by uncertainty over the political process and the state of public security in Lesotho’s capital Maseru. We continue to call upon government officials and all parties to reach a resolution through peaceful dialogue. We urge government officials, leaders of the Lesotho Defense Forces, and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service to respect democratic processes in line with the Lesotho Constitution and the rule of law. Multiparty democracy is important to inclusive political development and economic progress in Lesotho, and any threat to that model would be a setback not only for the nation, but also for democracy in the region.

The United States recognizes South Africa’s regional leadership as Chair of the South African Development Community’s (SADC) Organ for Politics, Defense and Security, and other SADC members as they work with Lesotho’s leaders to reach a political solution.

The U.S. Embassy in Maseru continues to conduct essential services, but has issued an Emergency Message to U.S. citizens advising that the Department of State has ordered the departure of non-employed family members of U.S. Mission personnel due to concerns over a possible deterioration of the security situation in Lesotho. The Emergency Message advises that the U.S. Embassy in Lesotho will be open September 2-3 for emergency American Citizens Services only, and that citizens should be aware the Embassy may be forced to suspend operations without advance notice if the security situation deteriorates further. U.S. citizens seeking assistance in departing Lesotho can contact the U.S. Embassy at USConsularMaseru@state.gov.

ENDS

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