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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

U.S. warns of tougher security at Bob Marley event in Ethiopia

Associated Press

WASHINGTON – The State Department on Friday advised Americans that heightened security will be in place for celebrations in Ethiopia next month of the 60th anniversary of Bob Marley’s birth.

The measures include increased checks for illegal weapons and drugs at ports and border crossings.

Ethiopian officials estimate 500,000 people, many from overseas, will attend the festivities honoring the Jamaican reggae legend.

“Americans traveling in Ethiopia during this time are reminded that traffic and public transportation in the vicinity of the festivities concentrated in downtown Addis Ababa are likely to be affected,” the State Department said.

Americans should be prepared for security checks and have their U.S. passports available, the advisory said. It said they should also register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate at https://travelregistration.state.gov.

The advisory also pointed out that possession of marijuana is punishable in the African nation by up to six months in prison.

Marley was a Rastafarian, a faith whose followers preach a oneness with nature, grow their hair uncombed into dreadlocks and smoke marijuana as a sacrament. Ethiopia’s last emperor, Haile Selassie, led the Rastafarian movement.

Marley died in Miami in 1981 at the age of 36.