HARARE EAC MEETS TO REVIEW TRAVEL AND SECURITY

UNCLAS HARARE 000457 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA AF/S S/CT CA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC AMGT CASC PREL PHUM ZI SUBJECT: HARARE EAC MEETS TO REVIEW TRAVEL AND SECURITY POSTURES REF: A. HARARE 414 ¶B. HARARE 389 ¶C. HARARE 344 ¶D. HARARE 331 ¶1. (SBU) Embassy Harare's EAC met on May 22 to review the political situation, including the confirmation of the announcement of the election runoff date of June 27, the current Travel Alert, and the Mission's security posture. The Ambassador chaired the meeting. In attendance were representatives from RSO, POL/ECON, CONS, USAID, MGT, R/POL, CDC, GSO, IMO, CLO, and MSG. ¶2. (SBU) The Ambassador confirmed the runoff election date of June 27 and explained that politically motivated violence continues to escalate, especially in the rural areas, and the Embassy continues to receive shocking reports of targeted violence directed against opposition members and suspected opposition supporters. Pol/Econ and R/POL concurred that these reports of violence in the rural areas continue unabated. It was also noted that many affected by the violence and intimidation have begun to move to the city for treatment and protection and have been gathering in make-shift camps near residential areas. ¶3. (SBU) EAC members agreed that Embassy business has remained largely unaffected by the current political situation, especially in and around Harare. ¶4. (SBU) RSO commented that there are no reports of Americans being specifically targeted for crime or harassment, however overall crime in Harare appears to be on the increase, with smash-and-grab attacks and attempted burglary events continuing to happen with regularity. Two issues of concern for the upcoming weekend were discussed, including a planned march by youth party members and students in Harare and a funeral of a high-profile MDC activist in the Harare Mabvuku township. RSO will issue a Security Notice prior to the weekend and CONOFF will issue a Warden Message if warranted. ¶5. (SBU) CONOFF presented the current Travel Alert for EAC review, suggesting stronger language, as the date approaches for the runoff election, regarding travel and security posture in the rural areas immediately before and after the runoff. EAC agreed on the new language and CONOFF will submit the revised Travel Alert to CA for approval and issuance. ¶6. (SBU) EAC members agreed that the Mission's current security posture, which includes continued case-by-case review of in-country travel requests, remains appropriate. Country clearance requests will also be reviewed, and non-essential travel will be discouraged during the week before the June 27 election until the results are announced. McGee