Country Profile

Language: English

Although Tanzania is not on VOM’s list of hostile and restricted areas but our contacts report increased antagonism toward Christians due to a radical Islamic influence. In 2013, VOM designated Zanzibar as a hostile area. Any convert to Christianity in the almost-exclusively Muslim island of Zanzibar faces beatings, family rejection, possible imprisonment or even death. Established churches have faced repeated attacks by vandals and Muslim mobs. Mosque leaders instruct their followers to punish apostates according to strict Shariah law. Those who speak publicly about their faith or against Islam are subject to imprisonment and mob justice. Some of this radicalism has also found its way to the Tanzanian mainland.