The doors of some small churches in Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous archipelago of Tanzania, have been broken, Bibles scattered and congregations left shaken. Yet Christians in several Muslim-majority communities continue to gather for worship despite fears of further attacks and growing social pressure.
A report published Aug. 6 by International Christian Concern said Christians in several coastal communities in Zanzibar continue to worship despite threats, harassment and occasional attacks.
Physical attacks, social pressure
Church leaders in Zanzibar, off Tanzania’s coast, told the organization that the pressure extends beyond physical attacks and includes social pressure that can make Christians afraid to openly practice their faith.
The situation is particularly sensitive in Zanzibar and other coastal areas where Muslims form the majority of the population. While Tanzania’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits discrimination based on religion, rights groups say Christians in some parts of the country face restrictions that are not reflected in those constitutional protections.
Christian advocacy group Open Doors reported in its 2025 assessment that churches in Zanzibar and Tanzania’s coastal regions face difficulties organizing Christian activities, including inside their own places of worship. The group said congregations in these areas can face threats from local community leaders, radical groups and, at times, hostile authorities.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Vincent Matinde and originally published by Christian Daily International.
