U.S. Warns Of Potential Nationwide Anti-Govt Protests In Tanzania, Urges Americans To Store Food, Water
U.S. Warns Of Potential Nationwide Anti-Govt Protests In Tanzania, Urges Americans To Store Food, Water
According to the Embassy, recent post-election unrest, marked by destruction of public infrastructure, attacks on civilians, and a sweeping internet blackout, has already hindered movement across the country.
The United States Embassy in Dar es Salaam has issued a security alert warning its citizens of potential nationwide anti-government protests in Tanzania, expected to peak on December 9 but possibly erupting as early as December 5.
The advisory comes amid heightened tension following the country’s contentious October 29 elections and cautions travelers to prepare for significant disruptions, including curfews, roadblocks, internet shutdowns, halted ferry operations to Zanzibar, and even the cancellation of international flights.
According to the Embassy, recent post-election unrest, marked by destruction of public infrastructure, attacks on civilians, and a sweeping internet blackout, has already hindered movement across the country.
The alert also highlights concerns about increased scrutiny of foreigners by Tanzanian security agencies. U.S. officials report that some foreign nationals have experienced unusual attention from security operatives, including searches of mobile phones and laptops for political content or materials that could be linked to ongoing tensions.
Tanzanian police have repeatedly warned that sharing images, videos, or any digital content capable of causing “public panic” constitutes a criminal offense under local law, signaling a firmer security crackdown amid the post-election climate.
The Embassy further noted that its ability to assist Americans in distress may be “significantly limited” if widespread unrest breaks out.
The statement reads: “There are ongoing calls for nationwide anti-government demonstrations on December 9, but protest activity could begin as early as December 5. Recent unrest around Tanzania’s October 29 elections resulted in destruction of public infrastructure, violence against civilians, internet shutdowns, and major travel disruptions.”
It continues: “Travelers to Tanzania over the next several weeks should be prepared for potential disruptions, including the possibility of unrest, nation-wide curfews, an internet blackout, cancellation of ferries to Zanzibar, cancellation of international flights, and roadblocks enacted to enforce strict movement controls.”
The Embassy also confirmed reports of increased searches of foreigners’ electronic devices, saying, “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. Police have reminded the public that under Tanzanian law, the sharing of pictures or videos that may cause panic is a criminal offense.”
In its advisory, the Embassy urged Americans to take the following precautions in the event of civil unrest: Avoid demonstrations, avoid crowds, stock up on water, food, medication, fuel, and cash in case of shelter-in-place orders, follow any announced curfews, be mindful of local laws, confirm flight schedules by phone before heading to the airport and review personal safety plans.
The U.S. mission emphasized that support services could face further limitations should the security situation deteriorate nationwide.
