Analysis of Religious Freedom for Christians in Tanzania: 2024 Report

The report “Analysis of Religious Freedom for Christians in Tanzania: 2024 Report” constitutes the first comprehensive Polish publication dedicated to the situation of Christians in this country. Author: Dr Paulina Jabłońska. Tanzania, a country with a population exceeding 69 million and clear religious diversity (Christians approximately 55.3%, Muslims approximately 32.9%), constitutionally guarantees religious freedom. However, in practice in 2024, an escalation of incidents of violence and discrimination against Christian communities was recorded, particularly in Zanzibar, the Mtwara region (near the border with Mozambique), and along the coast. The report combines historical analysis (from 19th-century missions to post-1964 conflicts), a detailed review of events from 2024 (including church arsons in Pemba and Mtwara, murders of Christians in Dar es Salaam, pressure on converts from Islam), case studies, and a comparison with other East African countries (Mozambique, Kenya, Uganda). It documents the mechanisms of persecution (Islamic oppression, clan pressure, government inaction), the social, economic, and demographic consequences, as well as examples of the extraordinary resilience of Christian communities. Based on data from the World Watch List 2025 (15.4 points – an increase of 0.6 points compared to 2023), reports from CSW, ACN, Agenzia Fides, the UN, and the author’s field observations from December 2024, the report presents concrete recommendations for the governments of Tanzania and Zanzibar (criminal law reform, establishment of a task force on religious crimes, simplification of church registration procedures), non-governmental organizations (support programs for converts, interreligious workshops), and the international community (regional conference, human rights monitoring). The report concludes with the author’s personal reflection and acknowledgements to the Jordan University College community in Morogoro. It serves both as factual documentation and as an appeal for action to protect religious freedom and promote interreligious dialogue in Tanzania – a country with enormous potential for tolerance, yet facing a real risk of destabilization.