Tensions escalate between Muslims and Christians over meat slaughter issue in Tanzania

In Tanzania, a country that is generally considered safe for Christians, friction between Muslims and Christians has persisted for years over the issue of meat slaughter.

Traditionally, Muslims are the only ones involved in slaughtering meat for public consumption to ensure that the meat sold in the market is halal, as Muslims would not eat meat that has not been ritually slaughtered.

"It has been our custom since the establishment of Tanzania – and even before – to see Muslims slaughter animals for public use, and we have not seen any problem. We have to care for our traditions and customs, which is to see Muslims doing this," Mponjoli Mwabulambo, regional police commander in Geita, said.

However, there has been no law that supports this tradition. Furthermore, Christians are saying that eating halal meat goes against their convictions.

Muslim-owned butcheries have also suffered loss of sales from Christian-owned butcheries as more people began to buy non-halal meat. Aside from halal meat being against Christian beliefs, the ritual for slaughtering meat incurs additional costs, making it more expensive and thus driving more people to buy the less expensive, non-halal meat.

In 2013, tension over the issue escalated when an Assemblies of God pastor in Buseresere was hacked to death by machete wielding Muslims.

Pastor Mathayo Kachila was on his way to a friend's house when a group of men attacked him. Mathayo had been outspoken about Christians' rights to sell non-halal meat, according to a report.

Before he died, Mathayo was able to identify his chief attacker. He was arrested along with other suspects, but was later on set free. Mathayo's wife Jane said seeing her husband's killer walking freely in the village gives her and her family so much pain.

"The children are emotionally affected when they see the person walking around freely. It is very painful to us all," Jane Roza said. "Even though the police have visited me a few times after the murder to interview me and promised to keep investigating, we do not know what happened to the case. I just don't know."

On the island of Zanzibar, the same tension can be felt as more Christians are expressing disappointment that they are not allowed to work as butchers. The Zanzibar police commander, Hamdani Makame, said Christians can sell meat, but they will not be allowed to slaughter animals for business.

"This is our custom. We will not allow Christians to engage in this business, as we feel that it will create violence in society," Makame said.