By Adonis Byemelwa
In a clip that has shaken social media, Hashim Juma Issa, the Chairman of the Zanzibar Elders Council (Bazecha), launched a blistering attack on the leadership of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
His sharp criticism, claiming a failure to push for Zanzibar’s inclusion in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has sent shockwaves across the country, igniting widespread debate on social media. With 98% of Zanzibaris identifying as Muslim, Issa’s sentiments have left many divided, questioning the future of Zanzibar’s political and economic trajectory.
Issa’s fiery statement, which has spread like wildfire online, accused past Tanzanian leaders of deliberately stalling Zanzibar’s development under a Christian-dominated regime. He cited Presidents Mkapa and Magufuli as obstacles who failed to construct the much-needed mega ports that would have boosted the island’s economy.
Now, with a Muslim-majority leadership in both Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, Issa urged for bold action to propel Zanzibar into the OIC, claiming that the only remaining barrier to this move was fear.
“Why hesitate when Nyerere, the one who blocked us, is long gone? With a Zanzibari president in Tanzania, what are we afraid of now?” Issa questioned, voicing frustration that Zanzibar has yet to capitalize on its potential to expand economically and politically.
The clip has polarized public opinion, with some supporting Issa’s call for bold reform, while others condemn the remarks as divisive and inflammatory. Political leaders from the ACT Wazalendo party, including Vice-Chairman Ismail Jussa Ladu, echoed similar concerns during a public rally in Kojani, Pemba. Jussa emphasized that former President Salmin Amour Juma had long championed Zanzibar’s right to be an independent member of the OIC and the East African Community.
Jussa added that Zanzibar’s exclusion from the OIC had been a significant blow to the island’s development. He noted that many member states benefited from various education and social welfare programs through OIC, opportunities that Zanzibar missed out on.
He also praised the late Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, a towering figure in Zanzibar’s political landscape, for his relentless fight to secure greater autonomy for the island within the Union. Seif’s efforts for an independent trade market in Zanzibar were instrumental in opening up the economy, providing much-needed relief to citizens in obtaining basic commodities, Jussa remarked.
Othman Masoud Othman, ACT Wazalendo’s national chairman, took a more analytical approach. He criticized the long-standing financial disputes within the Union, specifically the failure to implement recommendations from the Joint Finance Commission (JFC) since 2006.
He recalled how former President Salmin Amour had been instrumental in establishing the commission to ensure Zanzibar’s financial entitlements within the Union. Despite its importance, the JFC’s report, highlighting billions in Zanzibar’s dues, has yet to see the light of day.
Meanwhile, Salum Biman, ACT Wazalendo’s Deputy Secretary for Public Communications, expressed dismay over the lack of accountability in the House of Representatives. He criticized the failure to investigate 27 allegations of corruption in government projects and 41 issues related to the Union, which the party has raised repeatedly.
Political analysts are now questioning whether such remarks amount to religious or ethnic incitement. While some demand legal action against Issa for sowing division, others argue that these statements reflect the frustrations of a marginalized community.
The main opposition party, Chadema, quickly distanced itself from the remarks made by its veteran members, including Issa. In a press conference marking the International Day of Older Persons on October 1, 2024, Chadema leaders condemned any divisive rhetoric. “We reject any statements with religious undertones.
That is not the party’s position, and such remarks should be rebuffed by all Tanzanians, regardless of their faith or background,” the statement read. Chadema has since initiated an internal investigation, promising to take action per its constitution.
Amid this political storm, former Tanzanian Prime Minister and retired Judge Joseph Warioba weighed in on the debate about Zanzibar’s place in the Union. He called for a sober reflection on the evolving dynamics between Zanzibar and the mainland, urging leaders to ensure that the Union works for all Tanzanians. Warioba stressed that long-term solutions require trust, transparency, and the upholding of principles that benefit both Zanzibar and Tanganyika.
As the country grapples with these divisions, the future of Zanzibar’s autonomy within the Union—and its potential membership in the OIC—remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: the island’s demands for recognition, development, and fair representation will not be silenced any time soon.
