BY GODFREY NNKO
ZANZIBAR President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr.Hussein Ali Mwinyi has described the signing of the Joint Declaration of Political Reconciliation between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and ACT Wazalendo as a historic milestone that ushers in a new era of national unity, political stability, and sustainable development for Zanzibar.
Dr.Mwinyi made the remarks on July 9, 2026, during the signing ceremony held at the State House in Zanzibar.
The event was attended by the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and CCM Chairperson, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, leaders of political parties, religious leaders, diplomats, senior government officials from both the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar and the Union Government, as well as other distinguished guests.
He said the Joint Declaration provides a solid foundation for advancing political reconciliation and strengthening social cohesion among the people of Zanzibar, creating a conducive environment for accelerated economic growth and improved social development.
“Today's milestone is of great importance to the people of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole in strengthening national unity, political reconciliation, and advancing our development agenda,” Dr. Mwinyi said.
Reconciliation to Strengthen Development
President Mwinyi noted that the reconciliation process would enhance confidence among citizens, investors, business communities, and development partners, thereby attracting greater investment and stimulating Zanzibar's economy.
He emphasized that peace, stability, and unity remain essential pillars for sustainable economic development and improved livelihoods.
“I firmly believe that the agreement we seek will strengthen confidence among our citizens and stakeholders, including investors and development partners, encouraging continued cooperation in implementing Zanzibar's development plans,” he said.
He further explained that the agreement paves the way for implementing the aspirations of the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution regarding national unity and pledged to oversee the second phase of the reconciliation process with transparency, fairness, and integrity.
According to Dr. Mwinyi, the next phase will involve comprehensive discussions on the agreed agenda to ensure that Zanzibar's long-term interests remain at the center of the process.
Appreciation for Dialogue Participants
President Mwinyi commended members of the committee that spearheaded the first phase of negotiations for placing Zanzibar's interests above personal or political considerations.
He also expressed gratitude to former Zanzibar Presidents Dr. Amani Abeid Karume and Dr. Ali Mohamed Shein, as well as ACT Wazalendo leaders, including the party's National Chairperson Othman Masoud Othman and Vice Chairperson Juma Duni Haji, for their contributions toward achieving the landmark agreement.
He observed that Zanzibar has a successful history of political reconciliation, citing previous constitutional reforms and the establishment of the Government of National Unity as evidence that dialogue can produce lasting political solutions.
President Mwinyi called upon political leaders, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and all citizens to support the reconciliation process, stressing that Zanzibar's future prosperity depends on unity, peace, and collective cooperation.
Othman:Reconciliation benefits all Zanzibaris
Speaking at the ceremony, ACT Wazalendo National Chairperson, Othman Masoud Othman described the agreement as a significant step toward building a united, politically stable, and prosperous Zanzibar, emphasizing that the initiative is intended to benefit all citizens rather than political parties alone.
He said the dialogue process, which began on November 9, 2021 laid the foundation for finding lasting solutions to political challenges that emerged after previous elections.
“Countries that have achieved sustainable development first built social cohesion, the rule of law, accountability, political stability, and lasting peace. These are the values we seek to strengthen in Zanzibar through this reconciliation process,” Othman said.
He revealed that the next stage will involve establishing a joint committee to review the agreed agenda and formulate implementation proposals, while a legally mandated implementation commission will oversee the execution of the agreement.
Institutional reforms among key priorities
Othman stated that priority areas include strengthening trust and confidence among stakeholders, reviewing the Constitution, electoral reforms, improving the public service, enhancing the justice system, and strengthening local government institutions to promote good governance and institutional effectiveness.
He stressed that the reconciliation process is a long-term strategy aimed at building strong institutions, creating a competitive economy, and positioning Zanzibar as a regional hub for trade, logistics, and services in East Africa.
“These initiatives are not for the benefit of political parties alone. They are for the broader interests of Zanzibar and future generations. We are building stronger institutions, a more competitive economy, and a justice system that creates a favorable environment for investment and sustainable development,” he said.
Call for public confidence
Othman acknowledged that opinions regarding the reconciliation process remain divided. While many citizens strongly support the initiative, others remain skeptical due to past experiences, and a small group continues to oppose the process entirely.
He urged political leaders, religious leaders, and the wider community to work together in building public trust to ensure the faithful implementation of the agreement.
“Those who have lost hope have understandable concerns based on past experiences. Once they see genuine commitment, they too will become part of this success. Those who oppose the process outright are few, and they should not be allowed to obstruct Zanzibar's future,” he said.
Othman also thanked President Hussein Ali Mwinyi for his statesmanship in leading the reconciliation process and President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her continued support and encouragement of constructive political dialogue.
He concluded that the progress achieved so far reflects the wisdom, patience, and patriotism demonstrated by all parties involved, expressing confidence that the agreement will lay a lasting foundation for peace, unity, good governance, and sustainable development in Zanzibar.