An 18-person group, most of them Cypriot pupils, is currently in Tanzania during violent anti-government protests that erupted after Wednesday’s elections, with the opposition claiming hundreds of deaths. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Theodoros Gkotsis told politis.com.cy that 14 pupils are on a volunteer work excursion accompanied by four adults, including volunteers and teachers. Most of the pupils are Cypriot, with two from Greece and several other foreign participants. Four Cypriot citizens are also resident in Tanzania, bringing the total number of Cypriots in the country to 22.
What Nicosia is doing
The Foreign Ministry of the Republic of Cyprus is in constant contact with the High Commissioner of Cyprus in Nairobi, Kenya, to ensure the safe return of Cypriot citizens in Tanzania.
On Friday the Foreign Ministry issued a travel advisory for Cypriots in, or planning to travel to, Tanzania. Citing the security situation, it urges heightened caution due to ongoing unrest and a nationwide curfew. Cypriot citizens in the country are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations, remain alert, follow instructions from local authorities, monitor developments via international and local media, avoid unnecessary movement and adopt maximum security measures. Cypriots are also asked to register on the Connect2CY online platform for citizens abroad.
Tensions after the presidential election
According to CNN, tensions remain high following the presidential poll. Incumbent Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the winner with 97.66 percent, amid opposition allegations of fraud, reports of hundreds of deaths and army deployments in several cities. The electoral commission said Samia secured about 31.9 million votes, with turnout near 87 percent of 37.6 million registered voters.
International observers voiced concern about a lack of transparency and widespread unrest. A nationwide internet shutdown has complicated verification of casualty figures. Authorities have extended the curfew in an attempt to suppress disturbances. Demonstrations continued on Friday in Dar es Salaam and other cities, with protesters tearing down posters and attacking police stations and polling centres despite warnings from the army chief. There were no reports of protests on Saturday morning, but the situation remained volatile, with security forces erecting roadblocks in Dar es Salaam. Protesters are largely young people who denounce the election as unfair and accuse the government of undermining democracy by cracking down on opposition leaders, one of whom is imprisoned while another was disqualified on technical grounds.