Rwandan Traders Hit by Delays as Tanzanian Post-Election Unrest Disrupts Dar es Salaam Port

Rwandan traders and manufacturers are counting losses after post-election unrest in Tanzania disrupted operations at the Dar es Salaam port, blocking cargo routes and delaying shipments. The disturbances followed the October 29, 2025 presidential elections, which sparked protests - largely driven by youth - over allegations of unfairness after opposition figures, including CHADEMA’s Tundu Lissu, were jailed and barred from running.

Manufacturers relying on raw materials routed through Dar es Salaam say the delays have slowed production and strained supply chains.

Nteziyaremye Bercar, Production Manager at Multiple Packaging Rwanda Ltd, told RBA that several consignments stalled at the port, forcing temporary shutdowns.

“The unrest caused some of our materials to remain stuck in Dar es Salaam, which forced us to stop. Some shipments are only arriving now, while others are still held back,” he said on November 23, 2025. “This has affected our production and our customers, because there are items we should have delivered but couldn’t.”

The impact has been equally severe for Amaco Paints, where production has reportedly dropped by half. Sales manager Ndayisenga Emmanuel said shortages of imported inputs left factories unable to operate normally.

“If the materials do not arrive, we cannot produce. Without them, we cannot supply our customers as required. The numbers have dropped so much that our production has been heavily affected,” he said.

Regional trade institutions say they are assessing the situation and seeking solutions to the transport disruptions.

Dr. John Deng Diar Ding, Executive Secretary of the Northern Corridor, confirmed that cargo destined for Rwanda was rerouted.

“After the post-election violence in Tanzania, goods meant for Rwanda were immediately diverted to Mombasa. We are closely monitoring these obstacles,” he noted.

Despite the delays, the Central Bank of Rwanda (BNR) says the situation is under surveillance and does not expect significant pressure on domestic prices of imported goods.

The port of Dar es Salaam is a vital gateway for Rwanda and other landlocked countries in the region, handling a substantial volume of regional imports and exports. Any disruption, analysts warn, has immediate ripple effects across supply chains and national production lines.