Zanzibar government condemns ongoing harassment during Ramadhan

Zanzibar. The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar has issued a statement condemning the ongoing acts of harassment during the holy month of Ramadhan.

A statement issued today, Saturday, March 30, 2024, by the government spokesperson, Charles Hillary, states that religious tolerance is the foundation of cohesion and that the government will not tolerate anyone who appears to be signaling a breach of peace on religious grounds.

The statement follows several incidents of people being attacked for allegedly eating and drinking in public during the holy month of Ramadhan.

As a result of these incidents, the police have already arrested 12 people who were allegedly found drinking and eating in public at Mnazi Mmoja Square for violating the rules.

In addition to the arrests, the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT) has fined Organisateur Francophone Tours and Travel, a tour company, US$500 (Tsh1.2 million) for allegedly allowing its guests to eat in public in violation of the guidelines.

In his statement, Mr Hillary, who is also the Director of Presidential Communications, urged citizens to do good and maintain peace, unity, and cohesion on the island.

“The government condemns the acts of harassment that continue to take place in various parts of Zanzibar. This is contrary to the principles of religious tolerance,” he said.

Mr Hillary said that Zanzibar is a country with a long history of religious tolerance, where Islam and Christianity entered early and became important parts of a culture that has lasted for centuries.

“This teaches us about the civility of Zanzibaris to be religiously tolerant and that is the foundation of cohesion among us,” he said.

He said the government urges citizens to refrain in any way from interfering with the individual’s freedom to worship.

According to Mr Hillary, Zanzibar is governed by a constitution, and the government has the authority to protect the country’s constitution and its people, so any action that threatens unity, peace, and cohesion would not be tolerated.

“The government will continue to protect and maintain peace and love as the teachings of our religions require us to do. Our religious differences should not be a source of disturbing our peace, unity, and cohesion,” he said.