Political Turbulence in Zanzibar: President Mwinyi’s Stewardship Amid Resignations and Opposition Threats

By Adonis Byemelwa

Zanzibar, known for its rich political history, has recently witnessed a series of political events that have added a layer of complexity to the archipelago's political landscape.

President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, in his first year in office, has faced challenges and made notable strides, but recent developments raise questions about the stability of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the upcoming 2025 elections.

The resignation of Tourism and Antiquities Minister, Simai Mohammed Said, effective January 26, 2024, has reverberated through Zanzibar's political landscape. Citing challenging circumstances in fulfilling his duties, Simai's departure prompted President Mwinyi to undertake a Cabinet reshuffle. Mudrick Ramadhan Soraga, the former Minister of Economy, Labor, and Investment, has assumed the role of the new Tourism and Antiquities Minister, bringing with him a wealth of experience to the tourism sector.

Other notable appointments in the reshuffle include Ali Suleiman Mrembo as the Presidential Office Minister, Ali Othman as the Blue Economy and Fisheries Minister, and Juma Makungu Juma as the Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning.

Zanzibar President, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, has emphasized the importance of honesty for resigning Ministers instead of leaving and misleading the public.

He illustrated this point with an example: if a Minister owns a bar and the government bans alcohol, the Minister should openly acknowledge that the measure affects their interests. During the swearing-in ceremony for new Ministers at the State House in Zanzibar on February 01, 2024, President Mwinyi remarked,

"Ministerial positions are not lifelong; there are many ways you can exit from being a Minister, either you will be removed or you will be held accountable for any problem that occurs. When you take on these sectors, you should know that problems can arise, and these problems don't necessarily have to be caused by you. And where you disagree with the Government, speak up and be transparent; we will respect you more. If you own a bar and people have banned alcohol, say openly that it affects your interests, be honest."

The Head of State also highlighted the importance of honesty in cases of resignations due to disagreements with government decisions or conflicts of interest.

However, these changes came against the backdrop of corruption allegations involving President Mwinyi and businessman Jitesh Ladwa. The controversy revolves around their alleged partnership with Kifaru Holdings, a company supplying Ashok Leyland vehicles to the military. The President faces calls to address these allegations and uphold ethical standards in public service.

Simai's resignation, linked to the controversy, raises questions about the government's commitment to transparency, especially regarding changes to alcohol importation regulations in Zanzibar. The President is urged to clarify his stance on the allegations and demonstrate that governance prioritizes public interest over personal connections.

Simai's departure comes at a time when the ACT-Wazalendo party, a key participant in the Government of National Union (GNU), has expressed its intention to withdraw. Chairman Juma Duni Haji cited unresolved issues regarding democracy and political stability in Zanzibar as the primary reasons for considering withdrawal.

The party's grievances date back to December 2020, when the late Chairman Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad led discussions with President Mwinyi to address post-2020 election challenges.

Proposals for changes in institutions, including the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC), to ensure free and fair elections by 2025 were put forward but allegedly not implemented.

Issues such as the need to amend Zanzibar's election law concerns about the ZEC Director Thabit Idarous Faina, and the lack of compensation for ACT-Wazalendo members affected in the 2020 elections have fueled tensions. The party insists on the fulfillment of specific terms and objectives agreed upon when entering the GNU.

In response, Khamis Mbeto of the CCM in Zanzibar dismissed ACT-Wazalendo's grievances, asserting their lack of substance and emphasizing governance based on the constitution and laws. He defended the ZEC structure, highlighting its collective decision-making process.

Political analysts speculate that ACT-Wazalendo's threat to withdraw may be a strategic move, especially as the country approaches the 2025 general elections. The party's criticism of the government is acknowledged, but analysts stress the importance of presenting viable alternatives and solutions for Zanzibar's political landscape.

As Zanzibar steers these political waters, the focus is on how President Mwinyi will address corruption allegations, ensure ethical governance, and manage the potential fallout from ACT-Wazalendo's withdrawal. The upcoming 2025 elections add a layer of complexity, with political tensions potentially influencing the dynamics leading up to the polls.

Amid these political challenges, Zanzibar stands at a critical juncture where the decisions made by President Mwinyi will significantly shape the future of the archipelago. As calls for addressing corruption allegations and upholding ethical governance echo, the upcoming 2025 elections emerge as a critical event that could either exacerbate political tensions or provide an opportunity for healing.

President Mwinyi's response to these multifaceted issues will be closely scrutinized, testing the resilience of Zanzibar's political institutions. The resignation of Tourism Minister Simai, coupled with the broader allegations, has sparked concerns about transparency and adherence to legal protocols. The President's clarifications on these matters will be pivotal in restoring public confidence in the government's commitment to integrity.

In this decisive moment, Zanzibar stands on the precipice of a brighter future, contingent upon the government's commitment to heeding sound advice and implementing positive changes. The new Cabinet appointments, viewed as a potential shift in leadership, have the opportunity to usher in an era of transparency, accountability, and public-centric governance.

Should President Mwinyi address corruption allegations decisively, reinforce ethical standards, and navigate the delicate situation with ACT-Wazalendo thoughtfully, Zanzibar could see a resurgence of public trust. Embracing these challenges as opportunities for reform, the archipelago has the potential to emerge stronger, with a political landscape characterized by unity, stability, and adherence to democratic principles.

The unfolding developments, as the spotlight remains fixed, hold the promise of steering Zanzibar away from tumultuous waters towards a stable and transparent political future. The coming months, if marked by prudent decisions and a commitment to the common good, may pave the way for a flourishing era in Zanzibar's political history.