By Vincent Matinde, Christian Daily International. (Image: Unsplash)
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.
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.
“Churches in Tanzania face significant hindrances in organizing Christian activities, even within their own places of worship,” Open Doors stated. It added that in Zanzibar and coastal regions, church gatherings are closely monitored and congregants can face harassment or intimidation that discourages regular attendance.
Open Doors also reported that at least 10 churches were attacked during its 2025 reporting period, with incidents recorded in Pemba, Unguja and other parts of Tanzania. The attacks included vandalism, arson and destruction. The organization said at least 100 Christians faced physical or mental abuse during the same reporting period, although it cautioned that many incidents go unreported.