The United States Embassy in Tanzania has warned of worsening conditions in parts of Dar es Salaam, citing shortages of basic supplies as well as communication disruptions.
In an update on Monday, November 3, the embassy said basic supplies such as food, fuel, and cash were running low in some areas and that flight operations had also been affected.
“Stores of food, fuel, and cash are running low in certain areas. International airports are operational, but international flight operations are intermittent.
“Confirm your flight via telephone prior to traveling to the airport. Be prepared to pass through checkpoints on main roads to the airports,” the alert read.
The embassy also reminded U.S. citizens and residents to observe the ongoing nationwide curfew and movement restrictions.
“A nationwide curfew is still in effect from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. In certain localities of Dar es Salaam, security forces are reportedly enforcing stricter controls on movement.
“Internet access continues to be blocked, making communication and electronic payments difficult,” the alert further read.
This comes a day after the embassy elevated its travel advisory to Level 3, urging American citizens to reconsider travel to the East African nation.
In a statement on Saturday, November 1, the US State Department cited multiple security concerns, including ongoing civil unrest, elevated crime rates, terrorism threats, and the targeting of gay and lesbian individuals.
The US advisory warned that violent crime remains common throughout Tanzania, including assault, sexual assault, robberies, mugging, and carjacking
Additionally, it informed of an ongoing risk of terrorist violence, particularly in the Mtwara Region near the border with Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, where attacks by groups linked with Islamic extremism have been reported.
The advisory further stated that members of the gay and lesbian community face arrest, targeting, and harassment.
According to the embassy, people who identify as gay or lesbian may experience a higher likelihood of being targeted by police.
It also warned that those detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct may face invasive physical examinations.
Elsewhere, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has condemned the recent unrest that led to the loss of life and destruction of property following the elections in Tanzania.
Speaking during her inauguration ceremony on Monday, November 3, Suluhu said the violent incidents do not reflect the true character of the nation.
She further revealed that some of the individuals arrested during the protests were not Tanzanian citizens.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of life and the destruction of both public and private property. What happened does not reflect the image or reputation of Tanzania, nor does it represent the true spirit of being Tanzanian.
“It is therefore not surprising that some of the youths arrested for such behaviour were found to have come from outside the country,” she said.
