Mbeto calls ACT's praise for Beit el Ajaib a step backwards
What you need to know:
- The party has accused ACT of supporting colonial symbols, alleging that the opposition party is nostalgic for the pre-revolutionary era when Zanzibar was ruled by a sultanate.
Unguja. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Zanzibar has criticised ACT Wazalendo leaders for praising the Beit el Ajaib building while condemning new government infrastructure projects in Zanzibar.
The party has accused ACT of supporting colonial symbols, alleging that the opposition party is nostalgic for the pre-revolutionary era when Zanzibar was ruled by a sultanate.
These comments were made by Secretary of the Special Committee of the NEC in Zanzibar, responsible for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training, Khamis Mbeto Khamis.
He expressed CCM's astonishment at ACT’s stance, arguing that it reflects a disregard for the progress made since Zanzibar's revolution in 1964.
Mbeto stated that many of the iconic buildings in Zanzibar’s Old Town, including Beit el Ajaib, were never intended for the island's indigenous African population.
Instead, these structures were occupied by foreign immigrants who had legally claimed ownership. He pointed out that during the two-century rule of the Sultanate of Zanzibar, from 1804 to 1964, no housing was built for the indigenous population.
“For two hundred years, the foreign monarchy constructed the Old Town and made it the residence of royalty and their followers. They didn’t build dispensaries, health centers, or schools for the local population. It is deeply troubling for ACT to glorify colonialism,” Mbeto remarked.
The CCM official further emphasised that it was only after the revolution and the establishment of Zanzibar's first government under the leadership of President Abeid Karume and the ASP party that the indigenous people began to enjoy modern housing and infrastructure.
“Praising Beit el Ajaib, along with Ben Bella and Tumekuja schools, which were built for the royal family and their courtiers, is absurd. This reflects a desire for the old sultanate to return and continue its control over Zanzibar,” Mbeto said.
On the matter of Zanzibar’s representation in the Tanzanian Cabinet, Mbeto clarified that while the President of Zanzibar is constitutionally a member of the Cabinet, his presidential powers remain unaffected by any external body.
He drew comparisons to the United Kingdom, where nations like Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland maintain their own devolved powers while being part of the union.
“Tanzania is a union of two countries, similar to the United Kingdom, which has four countries. Each has its own internal governance, yet they are all united. The union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar is not a burden,” Mbeto explained.
He concluded by criticising those who fail to acknowledge the progress made since the revolution.
“To ignore the achievements of the government that brought liberation to the people of Zanzibar is to wish for colonialism to return. If our colleagues are not agents of colonialism, they are certainly dangerous puppets who should be watched closely,” Mbeto warned.
