May 4, 2009
Local media are reporting that there have been demonstrations at several locations in and around Cairo in response to the Egyptian Government’s forcible culling of swine. According to media and other sources, residents and farmers involved in pork farming have assaulted health workers and security officers attempting to carry out the government’s decision to slaughter all pigs, further exacerbated by rumors about compensation for the culled animals. Protests in Giza and Moqattam included violent confrontations and rock-throwing that resulted in a number of injuries and arrests. There are a number of charitable organizations in the Moqattam area.
If these actions do take place they may lead to some road closures and traffic disruption in the general vicinity of these areas. The police preparations might cause similar traffic disruptions. As always, we strongly urge you to avoid areas where you see heavy police presence or crowds assembling and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large public gatherings. As a reminder, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
American citizens are advised to maintain valid travel documents and register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy Cairo through the State Department travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. For further information, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit at 2797-2301 during business hours, Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard on 2797-3300. The Embassy is located at 5 Tawfik Diab Street (formerly known as Latin America Street), Garden City, Cairo.
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