Tanzania’s Zanzibar hit by bomb blast

A bomb explosion near a mosque on Tanzania’s Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar has left at least one person dead and several others injured.

The incident coincided with the opening of Zanzibar’s International Film Festival, which has attracted foreign tourists and visitors.

Police officials said the blast occurred in the Daranjani commercial district of Stone Town, the capital of the semi-autonomous Tanzanian archipelago.

“We are investigating to find out the type of explosive, the criminals, and motive. We ask people to help provide information,” senior police official Mkadam Khamis said.

According to witnesses, the victims included worshippers who were leaving the mosque near the UNESCO-listed historical center.

No group or individual has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Zanzibar has witnessed sectarian and political tensions in recent years. However, it has been generally quiet during the past few months. Both Christians and Muslims have been threatened by such attacks. In February, Stone Town was hit by two bomb explosions.

Although Zanzibar maintains its 50-year political union with Tanzania, it has its own parliament and president.