Efforts by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continue for the safe return of 22 individuals stranded in Tanzania amid violent protests that erupted in the African country following Wednesday’s elections.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Theodoros Gotsis, told politis.com.cy that all 22 individuals are in good health and currently located in parts of Tanzania where the situation remains calm. He added that coordination is under way, including through the EU Delegation in Tanzania, to arrange their safe return.
It is recalled that a group of 18 people - the majority of them Cypriot students - are in Tanzania amid bloody anti-government demonstrations that broke out after last Wednesday’s elections, with the country’s opposition claiming that hundreds have been killed.
Specifically, the group includes 14 students participating in a volunteer trip, accompanied by four adults - volunteers and educators. Most of the students are Cypriots, while the group also includes two Greeks and a small number of other foreign nationals. In addition, four other Cypriot citizens are currently in Tanzania on private visits, bringing the total number of Cypriots in the country to 22.
Travel advisory
On Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory for Cypriot citizens currently in, or planning to travel to, Tanzania.
In its announcement, the Ministry stated that, “taking into account the security situation in Tanzania, Cypriot citizens are advised to exercise extreme caution due to the ongoing unrest and the imposition of a curfew in the country.”
The Ministry further recommends that Cypriot citizens in Tanzania avoid all gatherings and demonstrations, remain alert, and follow the instructions of local authorities. Citizens are also urged to closely monitor developments and updates from international and local media, avoid unnecessary movement, and implement maximum safety precautions.
Cypriot nationals are additionally advised to register their presence through the online platform for Cypriots abroad, Connect2CY.