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Tanzania hit with food, fuel and cash shortages following election unrest
02nd November, 2025 02:20 PM
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) reports that Tanzania is experiencing shortages of food, fuel, and money after protests erupted during the country’s General Elections.
In its latest update on Sunday, November 2, 2025, FCDO warned of a significant shortage of food, fuel, and cash services, which it says has disrupted livelihoods, leaving thousands vulnerable.
“FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Tanzania. This is due to disruption and unrest following the 29 October election. There are shortages of food, fuel, and cash, compounded by the lack of internet services,” the United Kingdom (UK) government warned.
According to the UK Embassy in Tanzania, the shortage was further exacerbated by the Tanzanian government’s decision to shut down the internet, blocking access to information and crucial services.
Also watch: Amnesty International sounds alarm over escalating repression in Tanzania.
Following the crisis, the UK has elevated its travel advisory against Tanzania, warning its citizens to avoid travelling to the East African nation.
It revealed widespread road blockades and closures nationwide, with many international flights having been cancelled to and from Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
While Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airports appear to be partially operational, some international and domestic flights to and from Zanzibar Airport have been temporarily suspended.
Besides flight restrictions, there are currently no ferries running from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar, with the Standard Gauge Railways (SGR) train services unavailable.
Samia winner despite unrest
The Israeli Embassy in Kenya, which oversees Tanzanian affairs, cautioned its citizens against travelling to Tanzania and urged those already in the country to remain in safe locations and avoid areas of friction or large gatherings.
Also watch: Political turmoil drives Tanzanians across the border to Kenya
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also warned of potential shortages in food, electricity, and communications, advising citizens to remain vigilant and stay informed through reliable media channels.
Meanwhile, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been declared the winner of the country’s disputed presidential elections with about 98 per cent of the vote, after leading rivals were excluded from the race.
The final result announced by the electoral commission on Saturday, November 1, 2025, showed Hassan had won 97.66 percent of the vote, dominating every constituency.
Hassan, who took power in 2021 after the sudden death of her predecessor, John Magufuli, appeared at an event in the administrative capital, Dodoma, to receive the winner’s certificate from electoral authorities.
In a speech afterwards, she highlighted that Tanzanians voted overwhelmingly for a female leader and said now the election was now over.
“it is time to unite our country and not destroy what we’ve built over more than six decades. We will take all actions and involve all security agencies to ensure the country is peaceful,” she said.
