Violent protests against elections in Tanzania are beginning to have serious repercussions for Rwanda, after more than 1,000 trucks transporting goods to the country were forced to suspend their journeys to avoid possible attacks, looting, or arson.

According to Abdul Ndarubogoye, the Head of the Transport Sector at Rwanda’s Private Sector Federation (PSF), at least five Rwandan trucks have already been burned.

“We have stopped all truck movements because any truck that tries to proceed is being set on fire,” Ndarubogoye told KIGALIINFO. “Around 1,000 Rwandan trucks loaded with various goods—including maize and coal used in cement factories—are currently stranded. About five or six have already been burned, as incidents are taking place in different locations.”

He said videos circulating on social media show trucks with Rwandan license plates being torched in Dar es Salaam, near the Sirari border, and in Kahama, where some were parked at fuel stations.

Ndarubogoye clarified that the violence does not appear to specifically target Rwandans but rather affects all transporters attempting to use the highways. However, he noted that it remains uncertain when the situation will stabilize and allow movement to resume.

“Since all trucks have been ordered to stop, anyone who tries to move immediately risks having their vehicle set on fire,” he added.

Rwanda depends heavily on the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania for the import and export of goods, as it is the closest seaport linking the country to the Indian Ocean.