East Africa: What Triggers Islamic Chaos in East Africa?
By Leonard Magomba, 23 October 2012
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - Economic growth in the East African Community
(EAC) partner states could drop considerably if leaders in the region fail
to halt the relenting religious intolerance and chaos that is on the rise.
Investors warn that if this is not stopped it could impact on the existing
successes made by the region's integration champions.
Many businesses and other economic activities came to standstill in Dar es
Salaam and Zanzibar when police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse
crowds that had taken part in demonstrations to demand the release of
several Muslim demonstrators that were being held by the police in
connection with association with Uamsho group.
This group is pushing for an independent state in Zanzibar.
Some of Uamsho group of Islamic faith in Zanzibar, that were until last week
demanding to know the whereabouts of the leader of the Islands Imam
Organization Sheikh Farid Hadi Ahmed, who disappeared in suspicious
circumstances on Tuesday last weeks' demonstration reported to have led to
the loss of a police officer.
In Dar es Salaam, police officers deployed heavily armed police patrols in
the Central Business District on Wednesday (last week) afternoon in a bid to
keep at bay protesters who attempted to march to the Central Police Station
in the city demanding the release of the their leader, Sheikh Ponda Issa
Ponda who was arrested later during (last week) the week in connection with
several counts.
Sheikh Ponda, who is the Secretary General of the Muslim Communities and
Institutions in Tanzania, was placed under police custody in Dar in
connection with the violence in Mbagala that took place two weeks ago where
police said Muslims had held illegal demonstration that led to destruction
of eight churches of different denominations leading to threatening the
country's peace and security.
Dar's Special Zone Commander, Suleiman Kova confirmed the arrest saying he
was apprehended on Tuesday night (last week) at a venue that police suspect
he was using as a hideout following what has been speculated as his attempt
to elude arrest.
Ponda is alleged to have been instigating violence by preaching hatred,
rhetoric against the rule of law and authority and eventually culminating in
the illegal demonstrations in Dar es Salaam that saw several churches
vandalized and destroyed in response to a teenager's ill behavior that led
him to urinate on a copy of the Holy Quran.
The chaos resulted in the arrest of some 122 people and after interrogation,
36 were brought before the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court on Tuesday
last week accused of conspiracy, theft and destruction of property worth
more than a billion Tsh.
Kova further explained that the Muslim Communities and Institutions in
Tanzania led by Sheikh Ponda have not been legally registered as any formal
or religious group, but it was the cause of much incitement.
Giving data on the extent of the damage caused by the demonstrators, he said
that there was vandalism of more than eight churches, destruction of
vehicles and theft of property specifically in several shops in Temeke
district, located at 10km to the Southern part of Dar es Salaam city.
In Zanzibar, according to police reports, Ahmed, who is also known as an
anti-union crusader, went missing at around 11.00 pm on Tuesday night (last
week) when unidentified people driving in a car stopped and successfully
asked him to get in and disappeared with him to yet unidentified
destination.
When contacted for comment, Ilala Municipal Mayor, Mr Jerry Silaa encouraged
all Tanzanians to observe the basic human rights, the freedom of worshiping
and respect to one's belief so that societies can enjoy living in peace and
harmony.
There was tension in the Central Business District as businesses and all
economic activities were distraught when police used tear gas and water
cannons to disperse crowds that had taken part in demonstrations to demand
the release of several Muslim demonstrators
Police are so far holding 38 people in connection with unlawful trespassing
across a plot belonging to the Agritanza Company. Sheikh Ponda has again
been implicated in the case. It is alleged that on October 12 of this year,
he led his followers and trespassed the said plot claiming they were out to
recover property sold by Muslims Council of Tanzania.
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Received on Tue Oct 23 2012 - 16:30:42 EDT
