Food, fuel, cash shortages hit Tanzania after bloody protests

Several days of disruptive election protests have caused food, fuel, and cash shortages in Tanzania, according to the UK High Commission on Sunday.

The UK High Commission in Tanzania raised this alarm in a post on X, warning against travel to the East African country, which has been rocked by unrest since last Wednesday.

“There are shortages of food, fuel, and cash, compounded by the lack of internet services,” the UK government said. “FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Tanzania. This is due to disruption and unrest following the 29 October election.”

The U.S. mission in Tanzania had also warned against travel to the country, citing widespread demonstrations over the election.

Violent protests marred Tanzania’s general elections since Wednesday.

Although internet access was blocked, footage of protesters marching on the streets and destroying posters of Ms Hassan was circulated on social media.

Tanzania’s Independent National Electoral Commission declared incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan the winner of the election, despite major opposition candidates being barred from participating, amid bloody protests on Saturday.

However, the opposition party, CHADEMA, said over 700 people were killed in the protests, vowing not to recognise Ms Hassan as president.

We have recently deactivated our website’s comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

Report