Zanzibar to Continue as Usual on November 27 Growing Debate on Union and Autonomy

By Adonis Byemelwa

The Director of Communications at Zanzibar’s State House and official spokesperson for the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar, Charles Hillary confirmed today November 25, 2024, that November 27, 2024, will be a normal working day in Zanzibar. This follows President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s declaration of a public holiday for mainland Tanzania to enable citizens to participate in the Local Government elections.

Hillary's announcement clarified that while mainland Tanzania would observe a public holiday for the elections, Zanzibar—where no such election is being held—would carry on with business as usual. The clarification came as many expected a public holiday to coincide with the mainland, considering Zanzibar's shared political and historical ties with the mainland.

“November 27th will be a workday here in Zanzibar. Since we are not holding local elections in Zanzibar, our people will continue with their normal work activities. We thank you for your understanding,” said Hillary. This decision has sparked renewed conversation about the union between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania, a union that has been a subject of deep debate for decades.

The union, established in 1964, merged the former Sultanate of Zanzibar and Tanganyika into what is now known as the United Republic of Tanzania. However, the union has always been controversial, with many questioning the balance of power between Zanzibar and the mainland, and whether Zanzibar’s unique needs and concerns are being fully addressed.

Veteran Tanzanian journalist and political analyst, Generali Ulimwengu, has long spoken out about the ambiguities and imbalances of the union. Ulimwengu, in recent interviews, argued that it is important to acknowledge Zanzibar’s identity within the union, while also recognizing the distinct challenges that the island faces.

He pointed out that often the mainland gets categorized as “Tanzania,” while Zanzibar’s status gets overshadowed. “If we continue calling the mainland Tanzania and the Zanzibar islands separately, then why hide Tanganyika in all this? Whose interests are we serving by sidelining Tanganyika?” Ulimwengu asked, stressing the need for greater recognition of the island’s political, economic, and cultural distinctiveness.

Similarly, Judge Joseph Warioba (Rtd) former Tanzanian Prime Minister and a staunch advocate for political reform, has frequently warned about the dangers of taking Zanzibar's role in the union for granted. He highlighted that many issues facing Zanzibar, especially those related to economic development and international relations, are directly impacted by the complex nature of the union, and there needs to be a fair reevaluation of its terms.

This debate has only intensified in recent weeks, particularly following comments from Hashim Juma Issa, Chairman of the Zanzibar Elders Council (Bazecha), who delivered a scathing critique of Zanzibar's leadership. Issa's remarks, made in a viral video, accused Tanzanian leaders of systematically neglecting Zanzibar’s development for decades, primarily under the influence of a Christian-majority regime.

In the video, Issa pointed fingers at past presidents, specifically Benjamin Mkapa and John Magufuli, for hindering Zanzibar’s growth by stalling large-scale infrastructure projects such as the construction of a much-needed mega port. Issa’s rhetoric quickly garnered attention, as it resonated with many Zanzibaris who felt their government had long been neglected in favor of the mainland's priorities.

“Why hesitate when the late Nyerere, who blocked us, is long gone?” Issa asked, adding that with a Zanzibari president now leading Tanzania, the time was ripe for Zanzibar to pursue its political and economic agenda without fear of reprisals. Issa’s sharp criticisms also extended to Zanzibar’s exclusion from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a key issue for the predominantly Muslim Island. With 98% of the population identifying as Muslim, many Zanzibaris feel sidelined in matters of international religious diplomacy and economic cooperation.

Zanzibar’s exclusion from the OIC is a longstanding grievance, one that the late President Salmin Amour Juma had raised in the past. Political figures, including those from the ACT Wazalendo party, echoed Issa's sentiments during a rally in Pemba, criticizing the union's leadership for prioritizing mainland interests over those of Zanzibar. Vice-Chairman Ismail Jussa Ladu, for example, decried the missed opportunities for Zanzibar in sectors like education, healthcare, and trade that OIC membership could have provided.
Issa’s passionate plea also brought to light a broader issue of autonomy and self-determination for Zanzibar.

While political figures from Zanzibar continue to call for more autonomy and a larger role in Tanzania’s foreign policy, others are concerned about the risk of dividing the nation further. Critics of Issa’s rhetoric warn that such calls could inflame tensions within the union and destabilize the fragile political balance that has existed since the 1964 merger.

Yet, despite the polarized responses to Issa’s statement, his comments reflect a deeper frustration with the lack of significant progress toward Zanzibar's development and international recognition. In particular, the island’s limited access to resources, its inability to independently negotiate international trade agreements, and its exclusion from major global organizations continue to fuel debate about the future of Zanzibar's role in Tanzania.

With Zanzibar’s political leadership now reflecting the island’s Muslim-majority population, the question of whether it should pursue a more independent course on the global stage is gaining traction. The debate over autonomy versus unity with mainland Tanzania continues to simmer, especially as Zanzibar grapples with its unique challenges within the union.

On November 27, while mainland Tanzania will observe a public holiday for local elections, Zanzibar will carry on with business as usual. This difference underlines the ongoing tension between the two regions, with Zanzibar’s exclusion from the elections highlighting the growing divide. As the civic elections unfold, they will not only influence local governance but also signal the potential future direction of Zanzibar—whether it will continue within the union or chart a more independent course on the global stage.