In response to ongoing rioting, the United States Department of State has updated its Travel Advisory for Tanzania, increasing the category from Level 2 to Level 3 – Reconsider Travel.
With the “unrest” risk indicator added to the advisory, America advised its citizens to avoid trips to Tanzania due to chaos, crime, terrorism, and targeting of gay and lesbian individuals.
The U.S. government said demonstrations can be unpredictable and widespread. The Tanzanian authorities already increased security presence around protests, including checkpoints and roadblocks.
The advisory warns of violations, including sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and carjacking, noting that police have limited resources to respond effectively to such incidents.
The State Department said there is a possibility of extremists activity, including terrorist attacks, adding that the risk of terrorist violence is most common in the Mtwara Region.
The advisory also cautioned of members of the same-sex community to stay safe, citing instances of police arrest and harassment of persons who identify as gay or lesbian.
Violence erupted in Tanzania after the October 29 voting to elect the President, members of the National Assembly and ward councillors. Hundreds of people have been killed by security forces.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan assumed power in 2021 and would be sworn in for a second term on Monday. The inauguration was scheduled to hold at the State House, according to State television.
The electoral commission declared Hassan as the winner with 98% of the vote. But Chadema, the main opposition party, which was barred from participation, insists the exercise was a “sham” and has called for fresh elections.
Meanwhile, internet services in the East African nation remained blocked as the government continues its widely condemned crackdown on protesters, who are refusing to back down.
