Don't freak out or anything. Lesotho is not burning!
You probably didn't even hear about it but there was an assassination attempt made on the Prime Minister on election day in South Africa. Opportunists are everywhere. The email I am posting is from a communications officer at the embassy that updated all of us on the sitch. I just thought it would interest someone. . . maybe.
U.S. EmbassyMaseru, LesothoWarden Message- Attempted Assassination of Prime MinisterApril 22, 2009This warden message alerts U.S. citizens to security incidents thatoccurred in the early morning hours of April 22, 2009, in Maseru.Local media are reporting the attempted assassination of Prime MinisterPakalitha Mosisili on April 22. Following this incident, sustainedgunfire was heard in Maseru West, and gunshots were also exchanged inthe areas surrounding Ratjomose Military Barracks, Makoanyane MilitaryBarracks and the National Abattoir between 3:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.Following the incident, three assailants fleeing the Prime Minister'sresidence carjacked a combi-bus/taxi in Thetsane Extension. Reportsindicate some of the assailants were killed and others apprehended bypolice, who are still actively seeking other suspects. There is noindication of Americans being targeted, and all gunfire appears to haveceased at this time.The U.S. Embassy advises all U.S. citizens to remain alert at all timesand to consider of the potential for crime throughout Lesotho. Weremind American citizens that they should stay current with mediacoverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at alltimes.For the latest security information, Americans living and travelingabroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of ConsularAffairs Internet web site <http://travel.state.gov/> , where the currentWorldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, andhealth-information resources can be found. In addition to informationon the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on securityconditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outsidethe U.S. on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers areavailable from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday throughFriday (except U.S. federal holidays).The U.S. Embassy continues to encourage U.S. citizens living in ortraveling in Lesotho to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy throughthe State Department's travel registration website,https://travelregistration.state.gov/, and to obtain updated informationon travel and security in Lesotho. Americans without Internet accessmay register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy.The U.S. Embassy in Maseru is located at 254 Kingsway Avenue, tel. (266)2231-2666. The after-hours emergency telephone number is (266)5888-4035. Office hours are Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. andFriday, 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The U.S. Embassy website ishttp://maseru.usembassy.gov/.