Statement from Ambassador Alfonso E. Lenhardt on Recent Unrest in Zanzibar

May 28, 2012

Alfonso E. Lenhardt, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania.

In the face of the unrest that occurred in Zanzibar on May 26-27, I lend my voice to the many others who have called on all parties involved to work together to maintain calm on the island. We recognize the importance of robust public debate and encourage all parties to proceed in a peaceful and democratic manner. We also encourage and support the prompt action of senior political leaders who responded and are working to address the issues that led to these unfortunate events. The situation that has occurred over the past two days risks tarnishing the image of Zanzibar's first peaceful and successful elections in 2010 that created the Government of National Unity. Maintaining a peaceful environment in Zanzibar that allows for tourism and development is beneficial to all Zanzibari citizens and foreign visitors alike. Most importantly, we urge everyone to exercise restraint and protect the lives and property of innocent people.