April 9, 2024

You may be wondering how did slavery end in Zanzibar.

The answer may be different than what you assumed.

Like many events throughout history, it was not the government that intervened but the work of the faith community that brought about change.

Despite Britian’s criticism of slavery, the government hesitated to proclaim abolition in Zanzibar. Some government officials expressed concern over the potential negative effects of freeing so many individuals, fearing extensive vagrancy and devastation of the economy. The British government was also reluctant to alienate the Omani elite, which they relied on for support.

It was the training of Anglican missionaries by David Livingstone that brought attention to the plight of the slaves and ultimately changed the continent’s heart.

David Livingston was a physician and missionary, but he could not get many people to convert to Christian beliefs, so instead, he explored and charted much of what is now known as eastern Africa. He actually discovered Victoria Falls, which he named after Queen Victoria.

Dr. Livingstone was the greatest explorer of the African continent. He emphasized Christianity, Commerce and Civilization as an alternative to the slave trade which was widespread throughout Africa. He is credited with being the abolitionist for the Zanzibar slaves.

Livingstone completely lost contact with the outside world for six years and was ill for most of the last four years of his life. Henry Morgan Stanley had been sent to find him by the New York Herald newspaper in 1869. He found Livingstone in the African town of Ilala on November 10, 1871, greeting him with the now famous words “Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” Despite Stanley’s urgings, Livingston was determined not to leave Africa until his mission was complete. He died on May 1, 1873, from malaria in Ilala, Zambia.

Although I tried, I could not find much about Livingston in the African Slave Musuem. However, when I was leaving the Anglican church, I saw this crucifix hanging on the wall.

Underneath the cross was this description.

Livingstone’s body was carried over a thousand miles by his faithful attendants named Chuma and Susi and was returned to Britian for burial in Westminster Abbey.

His heart, however, was buried in Africa.

As I shared, in addition to the church, there is also a school that remains on the site of the original slave market.

With the time I had remaining, I explored the streets of Zanzibar. I thought I was on a Disney movie set. I naively thought that the term Hakuna Matata” was a phrase developed by Disney animators to support the movie The Lion King. Hakuna Matata is actually a Swahili phrase that means “no worries.” It encourages a sense of ease and an outlook that allows one to better enjoy life without dwelling on problems beyond their control. I heard that phrase often as it slid off the lips of those greeting each other on the streets of Zanibar.

How far the people of Zanzibar have come.

Finally, it is considered disrespectful to take direct photos of women in Zanzibar. So, I discreetly took these photos from the bus window on the ride back to the ship.

I was intrigued by the bright colors of their outfits.

I am certain that If I has not been seen and had been marginalized like these women had been for so long, I would be wearing bright outfits also.

Thanks for traveling with us.