Tanzania
Shortly after independence, Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form the nation of Tanzania in 1964. One-party rule came to an end in 1995 with the first democratic elections held in the country since the 1970s.
President Benjamin Mkapa won the presidency in Tanzania's first multiparty elections in 1995. Elected as an anti-corruption crusader, he was also credited with being the driving force behind Tanzania's extensive economic liberalization, which was well received by the IMF and World Bank. Mkapa was re-elected in 2000.
In December 2005, he handed power to his successor (also from the ruling CCM party), Foreign Minister Jakaya Kikwete.
Tanzania remains an island of stability, especially relative to its neighbors, a situation that augurs well for a successful transition to multi-party democracy and a free-market economy. Additionally, an increasingly independent press follows the vigorous debate of such issues as corruption in government ranks; the wisdom of pursuing privatization; and divestiture of parastatals. Since the advent of political and economic reforms, there has been a proliferation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Over the long run, these NGOs should strengthen civil society and thereby enhance the political and economic reforms that Tanzania has undertaken since 1992.
In August 1998, Tanzania was the scene of one the year's major terrorist incidents when a large truck bomb exploded outside the US embassy in Dar es Salaam. A dozen people were killed. (A similar device was simultaneously detonated, with much greater loss of life, in Nairobi).
While generally there are no known threats to expatriates traveling to or residing in Tanzania, political tensions in Zanzibar remain high. In recent years, riot police have clashed violently with demonstrators on several occasions, and a number of small explosions have occurred on Pemba and Unguja islands. Travelers should bear in mind that violent demonstrations and explosions could recur in Zanzibar with little warning, especially in light of the October 2005 elections.
There is a high threat from terrorism in Tanzania, including Zanzibar (as there is in other East African countries). Conditions among the Muslim population are favorable for radicalization. In one incident in March 2004, in Zanzibar's Stone Town, a grenade was thrown into a restaurant frequented by British tourists and locals. British tourists were present at the time. It did not explode. On 9 October 2005, Zanzibar police officers used live ammunition and tear gas to break up a crowd at a political rally, injuring at least 17 people. There may be further unrest in the run-up to the election.
Armed robberies, especially in remote locations, are increasing, and tourists have been targeted. This includes members of diving expeditions.
Travelers to the area bordering Burundi should exercise caution, due to banditry and cross-border rebel activity. Refugee flow is common as well.
