US Issues Travel Advisory on Tanzania over Anti-Gay Crackdown

The United States has issued a travel advisory to its citizens within Tanzania and those planning to travel to the East African country.

In a statement, the State Department has warned American citizens of Tanzania's actions targeting people on the basis of their sexual orientation as well as concerns over crime and terrorism.

The State Department has urged US nationals to "exercise increased caution while in Tanzania due to concerns over crime, terrorism and official actions targeting people on the basis of their gender or sexual identity."

The US further notes that violent crime is common in Tanzania citing risks of assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, and carjacking.

"Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Tanzania," the advisory states.

The department also says members of the gay community have been "arrested, targeted, harassed and/or charged with unrelated offenses."

"Individuals detained under suspicion of same-sex sexual conduct could be subject to forced anal examinations," the State Department notes.

The advisory doesn't, however, mention specific incidents of crime, terrorism, and abuse of LGBTI persons.

In October, Dar es Salaam Governor Paul Makonda launched a crackdown on homosexuals after forming an anti-gay squad to track members of the LGBTI.

"I have received reports that there are so many homosexuals in our city, and these homosexuals are advertising and selling their services on the internet," Makonda said.

"Therefore, I am announcing this to every citizen of Dar es Salaam: If you know any gays ... report them to me.”