US Issues Security Alert For Tanzania Ahead Of Scheduled Anti-Government Protests
The United States Embassy in Dar es Salaam has issued a security warning for Tanzania ahead of nationwide anti-government protests scheduled to begin on Tuesday, December 9.
In a statement released on Monday, December 1, the U.S. Embassy advised travelers to prepare for widespread disruptions, including potential nationwide curfews, roadblocks, internet blackouts, ferry cancellations to Zanzibar, and disruptions to international flights.
The alert highlights concerns regarding heightened security measures, particularly for foreign nationals, following recent post-election unrest that involved the destruction of infrastructure and the use of force against civilians.
Increased Scrutiny and Digital Searches
The Embassy specifically noted that foreign nationals are likely to experience increased attention from Tanzanian authorities. Security forces have reportedly been searching foreigners’ electronic devices for evidence connecting them to unrest or containing politically sensitive content.
“Following recent unrest, foreign nationals have experienced increased attention from local security authorities, and security forces have searched electronics for evidence of connection to unrest or politically sensitive content,” the statement read.
Tanzanian police have reminded the public that sharing pictures or videos that may cause panic is an offense under local law.
READ ALSO; Betty Bayo’s Widower Tash Makes First Public Appearance, Addresses Online Scrutiny
Opposition Calls for Demonstrations
The protests are intended to demonstrate against police killings that reportedly took place during last month’s election period, which opposition parties claim resulted in hundreds of deaths.
The country’s opposition, which labeled President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s victory in the recent elections a “mockery of democracy,” is actively mobilizing the public for the demonstrations.
In response to the tension, the Tanzanian government canceled the traditional December 9 Independence Day celebrations. Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba announced that the funds earmarked for the celebrations would instead be utilized to rebuild infrastructure damaged during the recent election unrest. He urged Tanzanians to avoid chaos and engage in political dialogue with the government.
