Zanzibar takes new step towards political reconciliation, Mwinyi and Othman set the direction
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi greets former First Vice President and ACT Wazalendo Chairperson, Mr Othman Masoud Othman after the launch of the CCM-ACT Wazalendo Joint Negotiation Committee at State House, Zanzibar on Monday, September 14, 2026. PHOTO | JESSE MIKOFU
Unguja. In a historic event filled with hopes for a new future, a Joint Committee has been launched on Monday, September 14, 2026, with leaders saying Zanzibar must now begin a new chapter.
The 10-member committee, whose terms of reference were not publicly disclosed, was launched at State House by Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi to coordinate the implementation of political reconciliation in the Isles.
The move follows the joint statement signed on July 9, 2026, which has been described as a firm foundation for strengthening peace, unity and solidarity for the development of all Zanzibaris.
Speaking at the event, President Mwinyi said the formation of the committee was a demonstration of political maturity.
"I urge the members appointed from the CCM and ACT Wazalendo to use their experience, expertise, and ability to ensure this work is completed with high efficiency," said Dr Mwinyi.
He said citizens' expectations were high, with people wanting to see politics that build and unite rather than destroy.
“Citizens expect to see peace and development in their daily lives,” said Dr Mwinyi, while thanking former presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein for their contributions towards reaching this stage.
He also set a target for the committee to complete its duties within three months, although the period could be extended slightly if necessary.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi hands the terms of reference to Co-chairperson Omar Ali Shehe (ACT Wazalendo) for the implementation of the Joint Declaration Committee’s duties after its launch at State House, Zanzibar on Monday, September 14, 2026. PHOTO | JESSE MIKOFU
Othman and Zanzibar's new story
ACT Wazalendo leader, Mr Othman Masoud Othman (OMO), called on the committee to become the writers of a new story for Zanzibar.
OMO, who is a former First Vice President, emphasised that peace and stability were not merely political issues but core pillars of economic and social wellbeing.
He said Zanzibar's economy relied on services and investment, which could not flourish without lasting stability.
“Money is very timid; it cannot send its funds to a place where there is no stability,” said Mr Othman, emphasising the importance of creating a safe environment for local and foreign investors.
He added that Zanzibar must leave behind the dark and challenging stories of the past and instead learn from past mistakes to move forward with glory.
OMO urged the committee members to rise above party ideologies and put national interests first, saying such success would leave a golden mark worldwide.
Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi hands the terms of reference to Co-chairperson Abdi Mahmoud Abdi (CCM) for the implementation of the Joint Declaration Committee’s duties after its launch at State House, Zanzibar on Monday, September 14, 2026. PHOTO | JESSE MIKOFU
Two co-chairpersons, Omar Ali Shehe and Abdi Mahmoud Abdi, lead the 10-member committee.
Mr Shehe (ACT-Wazalendo) assured citizens that they would work with great integrity.
Regarding concerns that the committee consists only of party cadres, he said that although they were cadres, the duty entrusted to them was greater than their ideologies, and they would work in the spirit of building a new Zanzibar.
His CCM counterpart, Mr Abdi said the three-month period was sufficient to complete the discussions because there was readiness and the blessing of the top leaders of both parties.
Their main duties include outlining meeting procedures, scheduling the work and submitting implementation reports to the President.
The launch signals the beginning of a new journey towards making Zanzibar a model of peace and development in the region.
Members
The members include ACT Wazalendo Zanzibar Deputy Secretary General, Mr Omar Ali Shehe, who serves as chairperson of the committee, while CCM Zanzibar Deputy Secretary General Abdi Mahmoud Abdi will serve as the co-chairperson.
Other committee members are, Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, Najma Murtaza Giga, Mgeni Hassan Juma and Mohamed Nur Mohamed.
Others are Masoud Ali Mohamed, Omar Said Shaaban, Fatma Abdulhabib Fereji and Said Ali Mbarouk.
The secretariat members are Hamid Saleh Mhina, Mohamed Yusuf Nuh, Ali Salim Khamis and Abdalla Mussa Hijja, while Mwalim Ali Mwalim and Seif Khamis Mohamed will serve as co-secretaries.
