Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi has expressed concerns regarding the safety of Kenyan citizens in Tanzania following post-election violence. Mudavadi communicated these concerns to Tanzanian Foreign Minister Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, emphasizing the need for the protection of Kenyans and stating that formal reports of rights violations have been submitted to Tanzanian authorities for appropriate action.
The unrest in Tanzania follows allegations of a disputed election in which President Samia Suluhu Hassan reportedly secured 98% of the votes. During her inauguration speech, she condemned violence related to the protests and attributed blame to foreign interference. The Kenyan minister reiterated the importance of diplomatic channels in addressing the situation and safeguarding the safety and dignity of Kenyans residing in Tanzania, where approximately 250,000 Kenyans reportedly live and work.
International scrutiny has been directed at the Tanzanian government for its alleged use of excessive force to suppress protests, with conflicting reports on the number of casualties. Authorities in Tanzania have dismissed opposition claims regarding the death toll as exaggerated. Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the safety of Kenyans, as families report instances of Kenyans being killed, injured, or detained by Tanzanian security forces.
In response to the situation, Kenya’s foreign ministry has requested contact information from relatives of Kenyans who might be affected in Tanzania, acknowledging public concern over the pace of their response. Reports indicate that many Kenyans, particularly those working in private schools, are now leaving Tanzania due to fears over safety and government warnings against employing individuals without work permits.
Tensions between Tanzania and Kenya have historically fluctuated, recently exacerbated by the treatment of Kenyan observers at a treason trial for Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu. The political climate in Tanzania has shifted since President Samia took office in 2021, initially being welcomed for easing political repression, but reports suggest a narrowing of political space.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgz2vzlyzpo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss