from ALLOYCE KIMBUNGA in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
Tanzania Bureau
DAR-ES-SALAAM, (CAJ News) – DECEMBER is set to be a defining week for Tanzania, the iconic African country that suddenly is among the most restive.
It is reeling from recent controversial elections that retained Samia Suluhu Hassan, its first female president, in power.
Unrest around the October 29 elections resulted in destruction of public infrastructure, violence against civilians, internet shutdowns and major travel disruptions.
There are ongoing calls for nationwide anti-government demonstrations on December 9, but fears are that protest activity could begin as early as this coming Friday.
The United States Embassy warned that 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 noted following recent unrest, foreign nationals had experienced increased attention from local security authorities, and security forces have searched electronics for evidence of connection to unrest or politically sensitive content.
It said police had reminded the public that under Tanzanian law, the sharing of pictures or videos that may cause panic is a criminal offense.
“There are reports of security authorities searching electronic devices for politically sensitive content,” the embassy stated.
The mission notified that its ability to assist travelers in danger was further limited during a period of unrest.
Tanzania has been one of the most stable countries since independence in 1963.
Commemorations scheduled for Tuesday next week have been postponed because of unrest.
– CAJ News