Put unity first, Z’bar First VP tells citizens
ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman has urged Zanzibaris to maintain unity and solidarity despite political differences, saying national development should take precedence over party divisions.
Mr Othman, who doubles as ACT-Wazalendo National Chairman, made the call at Kijuki, Wete District, North Pemba, after launching the ACT-Wazalendo Elders Council in Pandani constituency as part of efforts to strengthen the party’s structures.
He said political affiliation was a personal choice but that should not be allowed to divide citizens.
“Despite our political differences, it is important for all citizens to maintain unity and solidarity so that we can build our country. Political parties should not divide us because choosing a political party is a personal decision,” he said.
Mr Othman urged ACTWazalendo leaders and members to strengthen the party’s structures and ensure they effectively perform their responsibilities. He said strong party structures were essential for effective branches, constituencies, regions and the national organisation.
“A weak political party can also contribute to a weak government,” he said.
The First Vice-President also called on Zanzibaris to continue supporting their leaders, explaining that ACT-Wazalendo’s decision to join the Government of National Unity (GNU) was aimed at implementing the political reconciliation agreement reached between the major political parties.
He said a framework for implementing the agreement had already been prepared, urging all stakeholders to cooperate in achieving its objectives. Mr Othman thanked Zanzibaris, particularly ACT-Wazalendo supporters, for their understanding during the delay in the party’s formal participation in the GNU.
He said the broader objective was to promote cooperation among political actors and implement commitments contained in the reconciliation agreement. Mr Othman said Zanzibar’s history of multiparty politics demonstrated the long-standing desire among citizens for political and economic reforms capable of accelerating social and economic development.
Meanwhile, when at his office in Migombani, he called for stronger cooperation among government institutions in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, warning that the problem poses a serious threat to young people and the country’s social and economic development. He said combating drug abuse and trafficking remained a major national responsibility requiring coordinated efforts by government leaders and institutions operating under his office.
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“The fight against drugs is a major responsibility and it continues,” he said, stressing that drug-related challenges could undermine Zanzibar’s development prospects, particularly by affecting young people.
Othman said Zanzibar’s geographical location made the islands vulnerable to drug trafficking networks operating from different parts of the world. He said that the government had recognised the seriousness of the problem for many years, pointing out that the first law specifically addressing the issue was enacted as early as 1915.
While acknowledging ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, the First Vice-President said stronger cooperation among relevant institutions was necessary to improve the effectiveness of interventions. He also urged government employees and leaders of institutions under his office to embrace innovation and develop projects capable of mobilising resources to address major social and environmental challenges.
The areas he highlighted included environmental protection, drug abuse, disability affairs, HIV/AIDS and climate change. Mr Othman said these sectors were closely connected to Zanzibar’s social and economic wellbeing and therefore required effective leadership and implementation.
