Warden Message – Demonstrations

January 2, 2009This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rocket strikes into Israel.  The escalation of hostilities within the Gaza Strip has resulted in a strong possibility of large public demonstrations and potential for disruption of traffic throughout Morocco. The American Embassy has received information regarding a large demonstration planned for Sunday, January 4, 2009 in downtown Rabat, south of the old Medina.  The Secretary General of the Pan-Arab Congress and other Moroccan political leaders have called for a national march intended to demonstrate  support of the Moroccan people for the Palestinians and to protest Israel’s actions. 

Early estimates indicate that the crowd size may be between 25,000 to 30,000 people.  Demonstrators are expected to gather at 0830 hrs at Bab El Had and then march eastbound on Avenue Hassan II at 1000 hrs.  The crowd is expected to then head southbound on Avenue Mohammed V, stopping at the Parliament for speeches, and then continue south to the train station, where the march is expected to end.  It is not known when the demonstration will conclude.  While local police are working with protest organizers to ensure a peaceful demonstration, the Embassy recommends that Americans avoid this area Sunday as a safety precaution.  If you must be in the area, the Embassy advises Americans to limit their presence and maintain a low profile if they must be in this area. Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Morocco from time to time in response to world events or local developments. 

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov <http://www.travel.state.gov/>  , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The Department of State also encourages U.S. citizens to register their abroad through their website and to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html  <http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html> , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.

Information on conditions in Morocco can also be found at http://casablanca.usconsulate.gov.warden_information.html.In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. The U.S. Embassy in Rabat is located at 2 Avenue Mohamed El Fassi and can be reached at 037-76-22-65. Consular Services are located at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca at 8 Blvd. Moulay Youssef. American Citizen Services can be reached at 022-43-05-78 during business hours. After hours, please call 022-26-45-50 or 061-17-23-67.   
 
Hours of Service
Monday through Thursday
10:00AM to 12:30PM (through Ramadan)
8:30-9:30AM and 1:30-3:00PM (after Ramadan)