Zanzibar was hit by another wave of sectarian violence on October 17, following the arrest of radical Muslim cleric, Sheikh Ponda Issa Ponda, who has been accused of sparking violent demonstrations, reports eturbonews.
Ponda’s arrest follows last week’s arrest of 30 people on October 16 accused of vandalism. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds that had taken part in demonstrations to demand the release of several Muslim activists.
“Tourism stakeholders have voiced serious concern, over the spread of such radical ideologies that threaten the hitherto peaceful fabric of coexistence and mutual respect between religions in the United Republic of Tanzania,” said the report. “This could have a serious impact on Zanzibar’s tourist arrivals,” continued the report.
Local tour operators have told eTNW that the violence has not affected their operations.
Zanzibar hit by another wave of sectarian violence
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