A total of 22 people, the majority of them Cypriot citizens, have become trapped in Tanzania due to unrest and a curfew in the country.
The Foreign Ministry is in constant contact with them to ensure their safe return, ministry spokesman Theodoros Gkotsis told the Cyprus News Agency.
The ministry issued a travel advisory for Tanzania on Friday, advising Cypriot citizens to exercise particular caution due to ongoing unrest and the imposition of a curfew in the country.
Of the 22 people who contacted the ministry, 14 are private school pupils who were visiting the country as part of a volunteer programme. The students were accompanied by four other adults—two chaperones and two people from Greece who were doing volunteer work.
In addition, four other Cypriots are in the country for different reasons.
Crisis Management Centre activated
Gkotsis said the Crisis Management Centre was activated immediately and is in contact with the 22 people, in cooperation with the High Commission in Nairobi, which also covers Tanzania.
Both the High Commission and the Crisis Management Centre, which was activated from the outset, are in contact with them and speaking with their families so they can return as soon as it becomes possible, he noted. At present there are no flights.
He added that the important thing is to maintain their safety where they are, to be careful and to monitor the situation. Our authorities are informing them about what they need to do, he said. As soon as the most correct and safe way is found, the relevant steps will be taken for them to return as soon as possible.
He also called on any other Cypriots in the country to contact the telephone numbers listed in the travel advisory.
Travel advisory details
The Foreign Ministry, taking into account the security situation in Tanzania, advises Cypriot citizens to exercise particular caution due to ongoing unrest and the imposition of a curfew in the country, according to the travel advisory issued on Friday.
Additionally, Cypriot citizens in the country are advised to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations, remain vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities.
They are also advised to closely monitor developments and information from international and local media, avoid unnecessary travel and implement maximum security measures.
In case of emergency, Cypriot citizens can contact the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in the Republic of Kenya at telephone 254 111051430 or email [email protected] or [email protected].
They can also contact the Consular Affairs Directorate of the Foreign Ministry at +357 22 651113 and the Crisis Management Directorate at +357 22 801000 and +357 97 775998.
Cypriot citizens are also called upon to register on the online platform for registering Cypriots abroad, Connect2CY.
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