Remains of the Free Evangelical Pentecostal Church that was burned down last year in Zanzibar. Photo: Compass Direct News
A Muslim mob demolished three churches in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in May, bringing the total number of churches destroyed in the past 10 years up to 25.
Tanzanian Christian leaders say Muslim government officials are perpetuating the persecution by refusing to bring attackers to justice and failing to help the victims rebuild.
"About 200 Muslims were shouting, 'Tabir, Allahu Akbar' as they attacked our churches. I was nearby my church when they destroyed it," said a Christian leader who asked to remain anonymous for security reasons. He also said attackers are becoming bolder by targeting churches in Zanzibar, as previously it was the village churches that were attacked.
Please pray that officials in Zanzibar will rise up, seek justice, and defend the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17). Pray that the Lord will provide for the needs of those believers who lost their church buildings. Pray that Christians in Zanzibar will confidently entrust themselves to Christ so that they can preach the gospel without hesitation (2 Timothy 1:7-12).
Country Information
Population 62,092,761(July 2021 est.)
Ethnicity (%) Mainland - African (99) (of which 95% are Bantu consisting of more than 130 tribes), other (1) (consisting of Asian, European, and Arab); Zanzibar - Arab, African, mixed Arab and African
Religion (%) Christian (63.1), Muslim (34.1), folk religion (1.1), unspecified (1.6) Note: Zanzibar is almost entirely Muslim
Leader President Samia Suluhu Hassan (2021)
Government type Presidential republic
Legal system English common law; judicial review of legislative acts limited to matters of interpretation
Sources: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Tanzania
Pray that the gospel will be well received by unreached tribal groups. Ask God to influence government leaders tostand strong against the influence of Islam. Pray that pastors in Zanzibar will continue to stand strong despite efforts to eliminate Christianity.
Bishop Daniel Kwileba Kwiyeya Photo: Morning Star News
A Pentecostal church in Kisauni, which is located in Zanzibar (a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania), has been facing pressure from local Muslims about its presence in the community. The annoyed community members lobbied the local authorities, w
A pastor and several church members in a southeastern Tanzanian village had all of their belongings and cash confiscated after refusing to contribute towards a ceremony involving witchcraft. Village leaders, who entertained fears of "curses" being placed upon the area, called upon wit
On June 16th, three Christians were arrested in Zanzibar for cooking food in a private home during the Ramadan fast. Emmanuel Yohana, his wife Katherine, and a woman identified as Khadija, were arrested at the couple's home. Local police, led by the area district commissioner, forcefully and unlawful
A church being burned in Tanzania. Photo: World Watch Monitor
Another church in Tanzania's extreme northwest corner was burned to the ground on May 2nd in a suspected arson attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the fire that destroyed the church in Nyarwele, located within the Kagera regio
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