Described as acts of frenzied madness, radical Islamists set on fire at least two churches in Zanzibar last weekend during running battles with security forces. Senior members of the ‘Uamsho’ (Swahili word for Islamic Mobilisation and Propagation) radical movement were arrested with scores of others from among the rioters, and there are serious concerns over the safety of tourists now that the threshold of burning Christian churches has been crossed. Last year the same radical group was accused of organising attacks on bars, clearly with the aim of introducing a radical form of Islam to the island by banning alcohol and turning tourist resorts into empty shells in what has in the past been a moderate and tolerant Islamic society on the Spice Island. Uamsho demanded a referendum to leave the union. Members have vowed to use whatever means necessary to force the issue, clearly not ruling out violence as seen this weekend.

Pray: for Tanzania, hitherto one of East Africa’s most moderate countries, to return to her peaceful inheritance. (Ps.17:7-9)

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