A total of 22 people, most of them Cypriot citizens, are stranded in Tanzania and are in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an effort to find a way to return home, the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Theodoros Gotsis told CNA on Saturday afternoon.
The Ministry had issued a travel advisory for Tanzania on Friday, advising Cypriot citizens to exercise a high-degree of caution due to the ongoing unrest and the imposition of curfew in country.
Of the 22 individuals who contacted the Ministry, 14 are students from a private school who were visiting the country as part of a volunteer programme. The students were accompanied by four adults, two escorts and two other individuals from Greece who were also volunteering.
In addition, four other Cypriots are currently in Tanzania for other reasons.
Gotsis said that from the very first moment, the Crisis Management Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was activated and has been in contact with the 22 individuals, in cooperation with the High Commission in Nairobi, which also covers Tanzania.
‘Both the High Commission and the Crisis Management Department, which was activated immediately, are in contact with them and are also speaking with their families to ensure they can return as soon as possible,” he noted, adding that “at the moment, there are no available flights.”
He pointed out that the important thing is for them to remain safe where they are, to remain cautious, and to monitor the situation. ‘Our authorities are informing them of what they should do. Once the safest and most appropriate way is found, the necessary steps will be taken for their prompt return,’ he said.
He also called on any other Cypriots who may be in the country to contact the phone numbers listed in the travel advisory.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises Cypriot citizens to exercise a high-degree of caution due to the ongoing unrest and the imposition of curfew in country. Cypriot citizens currently in Tanzania are advised to avoid areas where there are gatherings and demonstrations, remain vigilant, and follow the instructions of local authorities,” the travel advice reads.
It is also recommended that “they closely follow developments and information from international and local media, avoid non-essential movements and exercise maximum caution.”
In case of emergency, Cypriot citizens may contact the High Commission of the Republic of Cyprus in the Republic of Kenya at telephone number +254 111051430 or by email at hcnairobi@mfa.gov.cy and hcnairobiconsular@mfa.gov.cy.
Additionally, they may contact the Consular Affairs Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +357 22 651113 and the Crisis Management Department at +357 22 801000 or +357 97 775998.
Cypriot citizens are also encouraged to register on the online platform for Cypriots abroad, Connect2CY.