U.S. advises Americans to consider leaving Zimbabwe
WASHINGTON, Jan 27 (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department on Monday advised Americans to consider leaving Zimbabwe because multiple crises could make the country unsafe.
"Zimbabwe is in the midst of political, economic, and humanitarian crises with serious implications for the security situation in the country," a travel warning said.
"All U.S. citizens in Zimbabwe are urged to take those measures they deem appropriate to ensure their well being, including consideration of departure," it added.
The warning said the economy was in precipitous decline, leading to an increase in crime. Food shortages could lead to unrest and large-scale migration to towns or over borders.
Americans should always avoid commercial farms, which have been at the center of conflict between white farmers and young supporters of President Robert Mugabe, it said.
It noted that in November the government supporters, known as "war veterans," detained U.S. Embassy staff on a farm near the capital Harare and assaulted one of them.
The United States has sharply criticized Mugabe's government for its treatment of the opposition, its land redistribution program and its handling of the food shortages.
01/27/03 19:10 ET
