AFRICANEWS
Views and news on peace, justice and reconciliation in Africa
October 2001
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ZambiaCasualty of terror: Muslim-Christian relationsReligion/politicsBy Benedict Tembo
September 11, 2001 has left an indelible mark on world history. It is the day that terrorists, allegedly linked to billionaire Moslem fundamentalist Osama bin Laden, hijacked planes and ploughed into the World Trade towers and the Pentagon, killing thousands of people. The horrifying terrorist attacks that took place in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania are the latest incidents in a rising wave of terrorism that, over the past 10 years, has included the Oklahoma bombing in the U.S. in 1993, the 1996 explosion in Russia, the 1998 Lockerbie bombing of a Pan Am airplane, and the bombing of American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. The horrifying terrorist attacks that took place in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania are the latest incidents in a rising wave of terrorism that, over the past 10 years, has included the Oklahoma bombing in the U.S. in 1993, the 1996 explosion in Russia, the 1998 Lockerbie bombing of a Pan Am airplane, and the bombing of American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. In its Security Council Resolution 1368 (2001), the UN has called on the international community to redouble its efforts to prevent and suppress terrorist acts by increasing cooperation amongst governments and fully implementing the relevant anti-terrorist convention and security council resolutions. However, in the rush to combat terrorism, and in the intense outpouring of emotion following the terrorist attacks, people have become polarised - especially along religious lines - in many areas. In some countries, the already delicate relationship between Christians and Muslims, for instance, has been put to the test by the attacks, as each side seeks to blame and demonise the other. In Zambia, this is particularly the case. Alfred Zulu, president of the Zambia Independent Monitoring Association and himself a staunch Muslim, talks to Africanews about the effects that the terrorist attacks and subsequent efforts by the world community to combat terrorism have had on Muslims and Christian-Muslim relations in Zambia, from a Muslim perspective. Africanews: As a Muslim, what was the relationship between Muslims and Christians in Zambia before the September 11 attacks in the US? Zulu: The situation was undefined, uncertain, and full of suspicion, especially from the Christian community and the ruling class. Muslims have never been considered a part of the modern or traditional society in Zambia. So the relationship has always been unfriendly and lukewarm. Africanews: How is the relationship between Muslims and Christians in Zambia since the attacks? Zulu: The situation between Muslims and Christians has deteriorated and become very explosive on the grounds that [all] Muslims are being perceived as those who perpetrated the suicidal bombings in the U.S. on 11 September 2001. There is a serious animosity towards the Muslims. To make matters worse, members of the Islamic faith have no political power of any kind. The Muslims are very vulnerable, especially now that a global investigation is in progress to find and punish those responsible for the attacks.The Muslims are under attack! Africanews: How did Muslims in Zambia relate with Christians before Zambia was declared a Christian nation? Zulu: Muslims have always been considered second-class members of society. The Christian right has been the dominant political powerhouse, and they have never shared a political platform with Muslims in Zambia. There has never been any representation of Muslims in the Government in Zambia since independence in 1964. The Constitution of Zambia discriminates against other faiths, especially Islam, the Watch Tower sect, African reformed religions, and other minorities. This is official public policy in Zambia and yet the Islam faith is the oldest form of religion in Zambia. Islam preceded Christianity in Zambia. Western Missionaries on expeditions in Africa found Islam In Zambia more than 200 years ago! Africanews: How did Muslims in Zambia relate with Christians after Zambia was declared a Christian nation? Zulu: The relationship has become much worse. Muslim programmes were banned from the state-run Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC). Muslims remain discriminated against, disenfranchised, and totally voiceless, completely suppressed in public life. Muslims cannot conduct prayers at state functions, ceremonies, or at state funerals, even if the persons who have died are Muslims. Everything will be conducted in a Christian church and not at a Mosque. The Evangelicals, Pentecostals and Episcopals have an aggressive and confrontational anti-Muslim policy and practice against Muslims in Zambia since Zambia turned a Christian nation.
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