Cypriot students and their companions are stranded in Tanzania due to political unrest.
Cypriot students and their companions are stranded in Tanzania due to political unrest.
The 14 students from Cyprus, who were in Tanzania as part of a volunteer assignment, were stranded there after severe political unrest and then turned to their parents in despair. As philenews reported yesterday, the young people were supposed to leave the African country today and return to Cyprus via Dubai, but this did not happen.
Flights have been cancelled, the internet has been shut down, a curfew is in place and the military is intervening; there are reports of executions of citizens during demonstrations.
This tense situation has alarmed the parents. They turned to the President of the Republic with a message, urging him to do everything possible to bring their children safely back to Cyprus. In addition, regular meetings of parents are held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to learn about the measures taken and the plans being considered.
The situation in Tanzania, the parents tell us, has begun to affect the 14 students (boys and girls aged 17 and 18). One of the children mentioned the existing supplies in a phone call with his family: "We still have food for two days," he said. In another case, a parent reported that his child was crying and scared.
However, we were told that their morale had not dropped and that they were pinning their hopes on the Republic of Cyprus and its handling of the situation.
It is noted that in addition to the 14 students of the private school, the school mission in the village of Kilya in Tanzania also includes two teachers and two accompanying persons from Greece. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that four more people from Cyprus are in the country, bringing the total number of participants to 22.
Efforts of the Foreign Ministry
All possibilities for the return of the 22 Cypriots from Tanzania are being examined, stressed the spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, Theodoros Gotsis.
He said that coordinated efforts were being made between the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in Nairobi (which is also responsible for Tanzania) and the Foreign Ministry's crisis management centre in Nicosia.
There is no security threat, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in contact with the parents of the children's group in Tanzania, he added. Contacts with the EU delegation in Tanzania would also be established to ensure the safe return of all to Cyprus.
Contact Information
In case of emergency, Cypriot citizens can contact the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in the Republic of Kenya by calling +254 111051430 or at the email addresses hcnairobi@mfa.gov.cy and hcnairobiconsular@mfa.gov.cy.
In addition, they can contact the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +357 22 651113 and the Crisis Management Department at +357 22 801000 and +357 97 775998.
Cypriot citizens are also encouraged to register on the Connect2CY online platform to register Cypriots abroad.
Tourist and other non-urgent travel to Tanzania is discouraged.
Tourist and other non-urgent travel to Tanzania is discouraged.
After the presidential and parliamentary elections of 28/29 October 2025, protests and violent riots broke out in several cities and regions. Violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces have been reported in Dar es Salaam, Arusha and other cities across the country, resulting in deaths and significant property damage. The authorities can impose curfews.
The situation is very tense and the further development is uncertain.
Restrictions on the Internet and in the mobile phone network are possible.
There may be roadblocks that hinder access to the airport. Airports may be temporarily closed; there will be restrictions on travel. Information is provided by the airlines.
Avoid large gatherings of people and demonstrations of any kind and follow the instructions of the security authorities (curfews, etc.).
Before and during the trip, check the media about the current situation in case you need to travel to Tanzania for urgent reasons. Be accompanied by a trusted person who knows the area and clarify the security situation in advance. Exercise the utmost caution throughout the country,
and follow the information and recommendations below.
Basic assessment
There may be demonstrations, which may be accompanied by riots and clashes between the demonstrators and the security forces. Road blockades cannot be ruled out either. Disputes over economic benefits and religious tensions can be the cause of sporadic and short-term local outbreaks of violence.
The risk of attacks exists on the mainland and on the Zanzibar archipelago. For example, there have been several attacks with an unclear background and isolated places of worship have been set on fire and attacks on religious leaders have been carried out. The section on terrorism and kidnappings draws attention to the risks of terrorism.
Terrorism and kidnappings
Crime is relatively widespread throughout the country and increasingly violent.
Before and during a trip, find out about the development of the situation in the media or through your tour operator. Exercise caution when visiting religious sites. Avoid mass events and demonstrations of any kind, and follow the instructions of the local authorities and your tour operator.
Author: MFRadio News
Sources: IN-Cyprus.Com / REUTERS
