United States warns traveling to Tanzania citing crime, terrorism

United States has warned its citizens to be cautious traveling to Tanzania citing violent crime is common and travelers may risk getting kidnapped, carjacked or assaulted.

Releasing an advisory on Wednesday the State Department stated terrorist groups are plotting possible attacks in the country.

The advisory noted in recent past the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people had been harassed, targeted, arrested or charged with unrelated offences in Tanzania.

It added, “Individuals detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct could be subject to forced anal examinations.”

However, the advisory didn’t mention any specific incidents of crime, abuse of LGBTI persons or terrorism in the African country.

Addressing to violent crime the advisory noted local police are not well equipped with resources to respond effectively.

A 2017 global survey of terrorism reveals, “masked gunmen killed more than 30 police and local political officials in the Pwani region.”

Earlier this year the Dar es Salaam Governor Paul Makonda said, “I have received reports that there are so many homosexuals in our city, and these homosexuals are advertising and selling their services on the internet… Therefore, I am announcing this to every citizen of Dar es Salaam: If you know any gays… report them to me.”

In 2017 US President Donald Trump marked Tanzania at Level 2 travel destination. Uganda and Kenya too were put on same level. The highest is Level 4.