Otago Students Evacuated from Tanzania Amid Political Unrest

Protests erupted in Tanzania following disputed election results, prompting a nighttime curfew in the capital city of Dar es Salaam and a nationwide internet blackout. The unrest began on October 31, 2023, when the main opposition party rejected the victory of President Samia Suluhu Hassan in the recent elections.

Students from Otago University, who were in Tanzania for a medical elective, were not in close proximity to the protests, according to Professor Suzanne Pitama, head of the university’s faculty of medicine. She stated that the university acted quickly to ensure the students’ safety by collaborating with their travel insurer, Healix International. “Within three days of the unrest, the students were safely back in New Zealand,” she confirmed.

The political tensions escalated after the opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, was arrested for treason in April 2023. The opposition claims that hundreds of individuals have died during the protests, while reports from the United Nations human rights office indicate at least ten fatalities across three cities.

New Zealand’s Safe Travel website has urged citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Tanzania due to the ongoing civil unrest. The advisory highlights that protests are occurring in various locations, including Dar es Salaam, with authorities imposing a curfew and potential for further restrictions. The site noted, “Travel to and from airports is affected due to protests and road closures, and flights may be disrupted.”

Looking ahead, Professor Pitama indicated that Tanzania would remain under consideration in their regular review of medical elective placements, reflecting the cautious approach the university is taking in light of the recent events.

The situation in Tanzania continues to evolve, and the international community is closely monitoring the developments. With ongoing civil unrest, the future of travel and safety for foreign nationals remains uncertain.