Zanzibar: priest's condition remains serious after acid attack

September 18, 2013

A Catholic priest who was the victim of an acid attack in Zanzibar remains in serious condition, his bishop has informed the Fides news service.

Father Anselmo Mwanga’mba was squirted in the face with acid by unidentified assailants on September 13. Because the acid penetrated through his skin, he may need special medical care, said Bishop Augustine Shao.

The assault on Father Mwanga’mba was the latest in a series of acid attacks in Zanzibar, and a broader series of violent attacks on Christians in the Tanzanian province. Bishop Shao said that he saw three causes for the violence: political tensions over proposed changes in the country’s constitution, which could give autonomy to Zanzibar; economic difficulties that have increased unrest; and “the Islamic extremist propaganda on behalf of foreign-trained preachers who spread hatred against Christians.”

 

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Further information:

• The conditions of the priest attacked with acid remain serious (Fides)
• Acid attack on Catholic priest in Zanzibar (CWN, 9/13)