WASHINGTON, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- The Ethiopian State Department alerted Americans Saturday about enhanced security measures during the birthday celebration of reggae superstar Bob Marley.
Marley, who died in 1981, is to be reburied in Ethiopia during the celebrations of what would have been his 60th birthday, his wife said. Marley, who is buried in Jamaica, considered Ethiopia his spiritual homeland. Late Ethiopian emperor Haile Selassie is regarded as the spiritual leader of the Rastafarian movement that Marley espoused.
The reburial is set for an unspecified date after the Feb. 1-15 celebrations.
Ethiopian officials estimate 500,000 people will attend the festivities. Many Americans are also expected to come.
The Ethiopian State Department warned that authorities plan to enhance security measures for the celebration. The security enhancements will include increased checks for illegal weapons and drugs at ports of entry and border crossings. Possession of marijuana is punishable by up to six months in prison.
Americans traveling in Ethiopia during this period should be prepared for security checks and should have their valid U.S. passports available at airports, ports, and border crossing points.
