Tanzania: Four tourists, two Tanzanians stabbed in Zanzibar May 29

Event

Tanzanian officials have announced that six people, including four foreign nationals and two Tanzanians, were stabbed during an attack at a restaurant in Stone Town, Zanzibar on Monday, May 29. The victims reportedly only suffered from mild injuries, and the perpetrator fled the scene shortly after entering the restaurant. A police spokesperson claimed the attacker had been diagnosed with mental health issues, and was under the influence of narcotics at the time.

The injured include one Canadian man, two German women, and one French woman. All were released from hospital with the exception of the French woman. An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Context

Zanzibar has been the scene of significant political and religious tension over the past decade, which has had a negative impact on the tourism industry. In 2013, two British girls were attacked with acid by alleged radical Islamists in Zanzibar, and in 2014, two bombs exploded in the Stone Town Cathedral and a tourist beach bar.

Advice

Individuals are advised to exercise caution when traveling within the Zanzibar archipelago.