U.S. Embassy Issues Urgent Security Alert for Tanzania Ahead of Planned Protests

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – The United States Embassy in Tanzania has issued a critical security alert for its citizens, warning of significant disruptions and potential dangers ahead of nationwide anti-government demonstrations scheduled for Tuesday, December 9th.

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In an official statement released Monday, the embassy outlined a severe expected breakdown in services and mobility. The advisory warns that travelers and residents alike could face statewide curfews, widespread roadblocks, and the cancellation of ferry services to Zanzibar. Additionally, international flights may be interrupted, and internet outages are considered likely.

The alert highlights a heightened security environment following last month’s contested elections, which opposition leaders have decried as “a mockery of democracy.” The period was marked by violent unrest, infrastructure destruction, and reports of hundreds of civilian casualties. In response, Tanzanian authorities have intensified security measures.

“Foreign nationals, in particular, may experience increased scrutiny from local security forces,” the embassy statement noted. It specifically warned that officials have been inspecting electronics for “evidence of connection to unrest or politically sensitive material.”

The U.S. Embassy emphasized that its ability to assist citizens during any period of intense unrest may be severely limited. It urged Americans in Tanzania to take immediate precautions, including:

• Strictly avoiding all demonstration areas and large gatherings.
• Maintaining a supply of essentials like food, water, and medication.
• Closely adhering to all curfew orders and local laws.
• Verifying flight status directly with airlines before traveling to airports.
• Reviewing and updating personal security plans.

The planned protests, called by the country’s opposition, aim to denounce the violence and alleged electoral irregularities from last month’s polls, which saw President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner.

The date of the demonstrations adds a layer of symbolic significance. December 9th is Tanzania’s Independence Day, but the government has officially canceled all national celebrations. Authorities stated that funds originally earmarked for festivities would be redirected to repair infrastructure damaged during the recent election-related turmoil.

The confluence of canceled celebrations, unresolved political tensions, and a call for mass protests has created a volatile situation, prompting the U.S. and other diplomatic missions to advise extreme caution.

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