Dar es Salaam/Zanzibar. The US yesterday offered to support Tanzania in pursuing and bringing to justice those who gunned down Father Evarist Mushi (left) in Zanzibar on Sunday.The US expressed its willingness to assist Tanzania a day after the minister for Home Affairs, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi, toured the scene of the crime and declared that it was “a terrorist attack.”
In a press statement issued yesterday, the US Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Alfonso E. Lenhardt, described as senseless the murder of Fr Mushi. He further pledged that his country was ready to offer any assistance that Tanzania might require to bring the culprits to book.
On Sunday, President Jakaya Kikwete ordered the police to use every resource at their disposal to get the killers and ensure they face the full force of the law. The President also instructed the Inspector General of Police, Mr Said Mwema, to work closely with other security organs, including those from neighbouring countries and the international community, in investigating the killing of the priest, an act he described as intolerable.
On the same day, the IGP announced that three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing.
In his statement yesterday, Mr Lenhardt called for the arrest, prosecution and conviction of those responsible for attacks targeting religious leaders in Zanzibar, saying faith based violence is a crime that has no place in Tanzania or anywhere else.
In his statement yesterday, Mr Lenhardt called for the arrest, prosecution and conviction of those responsible for attacks targeting religious leaders in Zanzibar, saying faith based violence is a crime that has no place in Tanzania or anywhere else.
He said attacking religious leaders was against the long-held traditional values and the culture of peace in Zanzibar, an island known for cultural tolerance and diversity, where different peoples and cultures have lived and worked side by side for centuries.
Eyewitnesses said on Sunday that two people riding on a motorbike called by name the priest, who was quite close to his church and when he pulled down the window of his car, one of the riders shot him three times in the head.
“In fact, it goes against the very character that Tanzania has been known for since its founding and the three national pillars carefully nurtured by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, which are also forever enshrined in the national anthem of this land: hekima, umoja, na amani, that is wisdom, unity, and peace,” he said.
“In fact, it goes against the very character that Tanzania has been known for since its founding and the three national pillars carefully nurtured by Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, which are also forever enshrined in the national anthem of this land: hekima, umoja, na amani, that is wisdom, unity, and peace,” he said.
The US envoy said the people of Zanzibar and all Tanzanians as a whole should reject the violent hatred spread by a few individuals whose actions threaten to tarnish the country’s good image.
Added Mr Lenhardt: “The United States stands as a committed partner to all citizens of this land and we urge them to continue to denounce violence committed by those who threaten and undermine the security of fellow citizens.”
He also called on all the people to build on the values of tolerance, wisdom, unity, and peace that are so cherished by Tanzanians and all civilised people of the world.
He also called on all the people to build on the values of tolerance, wisdom, unity, and peace that are so cherished by Tanzanians and all civilised people of the world.
The Dar es Salaam chief sheikh, Alhaj Juma Salum, said there were indications that the tense situation in Zanzibar was being fueled by supporters of the Islamic Revival Group (Uamsho) whose leaders were still detained pending a case filed last year.
The Archbishop of Dar es Salaam Diocese, Polycarp Cardinal Pengo, told the BBC yesterday that the killing of Fr Mushi could have been avoided if security authorities had read the signs of the times.
He noted that attacks on Christian religious leaders were likely to ferment division among Tanzanians of different faiths.
He noted that attacks on Christian religious leaders were likely to ferment division among Tanzanians of different faiths.
He appealed to Christians not to avenge the killing of the Catholic priest, saying everybody should instead pray for peace.
The Vice President of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), Bishop Severin Niwemugizi, opined that there are all indications that the killing of Fr Mushi was “well-planned”.
“Believers from one religion had warned that Christians would not celebrate Easter and I think they have fulfilled their promise by killing the priest,” he said when contacted by phone yesterday.
He warned that “the government’s continued inaction could lead to genocide in Tanzania.”
Retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi said yesterday killings and intimidation of priests in Zanzibar was mainly caused by the escalated degree of mistrust and religious intolerance among Muslims and Christians on the Isles.
He asked clerics to use powers and trust they enjoy by preaching religious tolerance among people of different faiths so that the country maintains peace and security.
Retired President Ali Hassan Mwinyi said yesterday killings and intimidation of priests in Zanzibar was mainly caused by the escalated degree of mistrust and religious intolerance among Muslims and Christians on the Isles.
He asked clerics to use powers and trust they enjoy by preaching religious tolerance among people of different faiths so that the country maintains peace and security.
source:thecitizen.co.tz/
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