A total of 22 people, most of them Cypriot citizens, are stranded in Tanzania and in contact with the Foreign Ministry as efforts continue to arrange their safe return, ministry spokesperson Theodoros Gotsis told CNA.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had issued a travel advisory on Friday, urging Cypriots to exercise extreme caution due to ongoing unrest and a curfew in the country.
Of the 22 people who reached out to the ministry, 14 are students from a private school visiting Tanzania as part of a volunteer programme. They were accompanied by four adults- two chaperones and two volunteers from Greece. Another four Cypriots are currently in the country for other reasons.
According to Gotsis, the Crisis Management Centre was activated immediately and is in communication with all 22 individuals, 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 their families to facilitate their return as soon as possible. For now, there are no available flights,” Gotsis said.
He added that the main priority is their safety where they are: “They are being advised by our authorities on how to stay safe and alert. Once the most suitable and secure solution is found, steps will be taken to bring them home as soon as possible.”
The spokesperson also urged any other Cypriots currently in Tanzania to contact the numbers listed in the ministry’s travel advisory.
The travel warning, issued Friday, advises Cypriots in Tanzania to remain extremely cautious due to the unrest and curfew, avoid all gatherings and demonstrations, and follow local authority guidance closely. Citizens are also advised to monitor international and local media for updates, avoid unnecessary movement, and take maximum security precautions.
In case of emergency, Cypriot citizens can contact the High Commission of Cyprus in Kenya at +254 111 051 430 or via email at [email protected] and [email protected].
They may also reach the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Affairs Directorate at +357 22 651113 and the Crisis Management Department at +357 22 801000 or +357 97 775998.
Cypriot citizens abroad are encouraged to register with the Connect2CY online platform for nationals overseas.
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