ZANZIBAR: Government bans political debates in religious forums

The minister of State, Second Vice President’s
Office, Mohamed Aboud Mohamed in the government of Zanzibar has banned
religious forums and lectures from debating political issues, stressing that it
will arrest leaders of any group doing so in order to maintain order and
strengthen national unity.

The
minister of State, Second Vice President’s Office, Mohamed Aboud Mohamed said
this yesterday during a meeting with religious leaders.

“The government will no longer tolerate such
acts. We will not let religious groups use their sermons to debate political
issues…they are encouraged to join the political platform instead of preaching
politics behind religious curtains,” said Mohamed to applause from the clerics.

The meeting was also attended by the Inspector
General of Police (IGP) Said Mwema. He blamed the chaos in Zanzibar on a group of
people who have been holding illegal assemblies behind religious curtain to
debate politics without permission.

“Illegal assemblies are strictly prohibited.
Any person conducting meetings or demonstrations without permit will be
apprehended. We don’t want to let people threaten the country’s tranquility,”
he noted. He said the government efforts in fighting
poverty will hardly be achieved without peace.

According to the minister, Zanzibar is well
known worldwide for having talented Muslim leaders (Sheikhs) who work
collaboratively with people from all walks of life without threatening the
country’s peace.

He said the government will strengthen
security at churches calling on Christians to be patient while the government
finds permanent solution to the problem. He said police officers will conduct
daily patrols at churches and other places within Zanzibar town.

A senior Muslim leader in Zanzibar, Sheikh
Omar Jongo refuted the claims that Muslims in Zanzibar were involved in riots.
He said, “On behalf of all Muslims I would like to make it clear that we didn’t
insistigate the chaos because Muslims cannot attack a grocery and drink beers
publicly.”

He said religious leaders have played a big
role in strengthening peace in the Isles including formation of the Government
of National Unity (GNU).

Meanwhile, Bishop Dr Magnus Mhiche of the Tanzania
Assemblies of God said that sabotage against churches in Zanzibar started last
year, but no legal action was taken against the culprits.

Bishop Michael Hafidh of the Anglican Church
in Zanzibar said religious leaders from both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar are
expected to meet today in Zanzibar to discuss the problems that led to the
torching of the three churches and destruction of infrastructure.

The clerics have also requested the presence
of Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein during their meeting.

The statement which was signed by the party’s
Deputy Secretary General in Zanzibar, Vuai Ali Vuai said that riots in the
Isles started four months back, but no action was taken to contain the
situation. “The Ministry for Constitutional Affairs is to
blame for the chaos because members of the revival Islamic movement group (UAMSHO)
were using the forums to lecture on Union matters, but no action was taken to
prohibit them”, said

He called on the responsible minister,
Abubakar Khamis Bakari to resign following destruction of public properties and
torching of churches.

Until yesterday afternoon the situation was
calm and businesses continued as usual. Police were patrolling churches and
filling stations while most of the roads which were blocked by rioters were
free.

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN Newspaper, Tanzania