Tanzania evacuates citizens from Middle East amid unrest

DODOMA: THE government is continuing to coordinate the repatriation of Tanzanians stranded in Israel and Iran following escalating tensions and unrest in the Middle East.

In response to the ongoing war between Israel and Iran, a number of countries are pulling out citizens and embassy staff out of the two countries.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation told the august House on Monday that to date, a total of 147 out of 663 Tanzanians residing in the two countries have safely returned home.

Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Mr Dennis Londo (pictured), made the revelation while responding to lawmakers’ concerns during the ongoing debate on the 2025/2026 National Budget and Development Plan.

“The world is facing growing instability due to ongoing conflicts in various regions. In response, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has directed the ministry to ensure the safety and return of all Tanzanians affected by the crisis,” Mr Londo told the National Assembly.

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Mr Londo reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of its citizens and reaffirmed Tanzania’s strong condemnation of the ongoing conflicts.

He further stressed the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic channels and in line with international agreements.

On Monday the government started responding to issues raised by legislators during a weeklong debate on the 2025/2026 National Budget and National Development Plan presented respectively by Finance Minister Dr Mwigulu Nchemba and Planning Minister Professor Kitila Mkumbo on June 12, this year.

The Minister for Lands, Housing and Human Settlements Development, Deogratius Ndejembi expressed the government’s commitment to resolve all land-related disputes across the country by 2030 through comprehensive land surveying.

Mr Ndejembi said the ministry is fully committed to ending land conflicts once and for all.

“We are determined to make major reforms in the land sector. Our goal is to ensure that every piece of land in Tanzania is surveyed and legally recognised by 2030,” said Ndejembi.

The Minister for Minerals, Mr Anthony Mavunde, revealed that Tanzania has, for the first time, entered the list of the world’s top ten countries with the largest gold reserves – thanks to strategic reforms under President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership. Mr Mavunde said the progress was achieved within just eight months through efforts led by the Bank of Tanzania (BoT).

“Although Tanzania is among the top five gold producers in Africa, we had not been listed among countries with significant gold reserves,” he explained.

To address this, the government amended Section 59 of the Mining Act (Chapter 123), requiring that at least 20 per cent of all minerals mined and exported be retained in the country for local processing, refining and trade.

“This move ensures that more value is added within the country and helps build national reserves,” Mavunde added. Meanwhile, the Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Stergomena Tax, assured the House that the country’s borders remain secure, with peace and stability firmly maintained.

The government’s budget debate for the 2025/2026 financial year is expected to conclude tomorrow, with Members of Parliament set to vote on the proposed estimates.