Karume and Shein spearhead the signed CCM-ACT Wazalendo’s political reconciliation

ZANZIBAR: THE ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and ACT Wazalendo have officially launched a new phase of political reconciliation aimed at strengthening peace, unity, stability and long-term national cohesion in Zanzibar.

The milestone was marked by the signing of a joint declaration between Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, representing CCM Zanzibar, and ACT Wazalendo Zanzibar Chairman Othman Masoud Othman.

Reading the declaration, Secretary of the Reconciliation Committee Mansura Mosi Kassim said the move followed extensive dialogue conducted under the guidance of former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohamed Shein.

She said since the reintroduction of the multiparty political system in 1992, several elections in Zanzibar had been accompanied by political tensions that contributed to divisions and affected the country’s development efforts.

Mansura said although the 2025 General Election was conducted in a peaceful environment, some political parties maintained concerns that affected the process of forming the Government of National Unity.

She explained that following advice from the retired presidents, CCM and ACT Wazalendo embarked on dialogue to seek a lasting solution where talks involved nine meetings held between November 2025 and April 2026, which helped reduce differences between the two sides.

Under the joint declaration, the two parties agreed to establish a joint dialogue committee to oversee implementation of agreed issues, with the process expected to involve citizens, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

“The reconciliation process aims to promote genuine national consensus, strengthen democracy, good governance and respect for the rule of law,” the declaration read.

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It added that a special legal framework would be established to coordinate and supervise the implementation of agreements reached during the process, with leaders emphasising that Zanzibar’s interests would remain above political party or individual interests.

Both CCM and ACT Wazalendo called on Zanzibaris to support the initiative, saying unity, peace and stability were essential for advancing development and building a better future for Zanzibar and Tanzania as a whole.