State Department advises US citizens to | Political News

The U.S State Department has issued an advisory for U.S citizens in Tanzania to shelter-in-place due to “country-wide demonstrations resulting in outbreaks of violence and roadblocks.”

“The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens to shelter in place. There are reports of country-wide demonstrations resulting in outbreaks of violence and roadblocks. Travel by road poses a significant risk. Internet access is intermittent, making all communication difficult. Many international flights have been canceled; confirm your flight via telephone prior to traveling to the airport.”

The advisory asks citizens to keep away from demonstrations and crowds, and to preserve a low profile, while monitoring local media for updates.

Protests have escalated in major cities across Tanzania as opposition supporters denounced Wednesday’s presidential and parliamentary elections as a sham. Hundreds of demonstrators crossed into Kenyan territory, barricading roads, lighting bonfires and tearing down posters of President Samia Suluhu Hassan along the best way.

According to Kenyan police, two people died after fleeing operating battles with Tanzanian police.

Demonstrators accuse the federal government of undermining democracy, as the main opposition chief is imprisoned and another opposition determine was disqualified from operating.

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The election day was marred by clashes between opposition supporters and the police. EU lawmakers also called the election a “fraud” that has been “unfolding for months.”

A day after polling, Gen Jacob Mkunda, Tanzanian army chief, blamed “bad characters who wish ill for this country” for the “damage to property and people” during the vote.

Kenya has warned its citizens not to be a part of protests at the border city of Namanga, where companies have been paralysed.