Diplomat Ali Karume affirms his membership in CCM

Unguja. Fourteen months after he was expelled from the ruling party Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), diplomat and former ambassador Ali Karume has continued to assert his legitimate membership in the party.

He argues that his expulsion is invalid and claims it was executed by someone unqualified to make such a decision.

Karume was expelled from CCM on June 8, 2023, by a meeting of the party's Central Committee for the South Unguja Region, chaired by Amina Mnacho.

The decision followed his public criticism of the CCM Vice Chairman for Zanzibar, President Hussein Mwinyi.

This expulsion came just 23 days after Karume received a warning letter on June 15, 2023. Karume had been previously interviewed by various CCM ethics committees, including those from the Mwera branch, the Tunguu constituency, and the Kati district, and was placed under a three-month probation.

In a special interview with The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi at his Maisara home, Karume discussed various issues, including the status of his CCM membership, the Government of National Unity (GNU), and his advice to President Mwinyi.

Regarding his CCM membership, Karume insists he remains a legitimate member of the party, asserting that no one has the authority to expel him as he is a founding member of CCM.

 He argues that proper procedure for expulsion involves a written notice and return of membership cards, not public announcements.

 “I have never received such a letter, and I still have my membership card,” he asserts.

Karume describes CCM members as either founding members or “passengers,” with the latter not having the authority to expel the former. He questions how someone who was only 10 years old when the party was founded have the audacity expel its founder.

Failure to achieve GNU objectives

Following the unrest that occurred after elections, particularly the 2000 elections, then-President Amani Abeid Karume initiated talks with opposition leader Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, leading to the formation of GNU.

The Zanzibar Constitution was amended in 2010 to allow the formation of a Government of National Unity, incorporating the opposition party that received more than 10 percent of the vote.

Currently, CCM and ACT Wazalendo have formed a government, with ACT Wazalendo holding the First Vice President position and two ministerial posts. However, there is ongoing tension regarding the management of this government.

Karume critiques the GNU's performance, claiming its goals have not been met. He argues that constitutional issues remain unresolved and that opposition parties are not properly valued within the government.

 He compares Zanzibar's situation to historical examples, noting that in the UK, opposition parties were respected even within a coalition government.

Advice to President Mwinyi

Karume advises President Mwinyi to reduce borrowing, arguing that no country has advanced through loans but instead burdens its citizens with debt. He suggests a six-month moratorium on new loans to assess the impact of existing debts.

He points out that while some developments have occurred, the economic cost of excessive borrowing is concerning.

 He cites examples like the US economy, which despite significant debt, struggles with repayments and relies heavily on taxation.

On the 4Rs of President Samia

Karume acknowledges all aspects of President Samia’s 4Rs policy but emphasizes resilience as a personal value.

He believes in the importance of staying steadfast and not disheartening others, even in challenging situations.

Overall, Karume calls for CCM to be more responsive to its members’ needs and to avoid making decisions based on the preferences of a few individuals.

He advocates for a more inclusive approach in candidate selection and governance.