This archive report was first published on 5 December 2019.
On December 3, 2019, the US State Department updated its travel advisory for Tanzania, urging Americans to 'exercise increased caution' when visiting the country.
The warning comes as Tanzania continues to crack down on the LGBTQ+ community, with reports of arrests, harassment, and forced anal examinations.
Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda announced last year that a surveillance squad would monitor social media to identify and arrest same-sex couples.
The US advisory also notes that many types of violent crimes are common in Tanzania, and local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crime.
Additionally, the advisory warns that 'terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Tanzania.'
It appears the Trump administration is continuing the Obama-era practice of speaking out on behalf of LGBTQ+ Africans, despite initial concerns that the new administration would abandon this stance.
