How Mama Samia’s legal aid campaign is bridging Zanzibar’s justice gap

ZANZIBAR: IN a country where modern court buildings are rising across the landscape, the promise of justice still remains elusive for many.

Despite the Tanzanian government’s consistent investment in judicial infrastructure, access to legal services has continued to be a challenge for a large section of the population, especially the poor, women, children and persons with disabilities.

Against this backdrop, the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign (MSLAC) has emerged as a transformative initiative that is not only closing the justice gap, but also reinforcing the foundations of peace, equality and good governance.

Launched under the visionary leadership of President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, the campaign has drawn widespread praise across the political spectrum and among citizens in both Unguja and Pemba.

Designed to provide free legal education, counselling and representation at the grassroots level, the campaign is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance, bringing justice closer to the people.

At the heart of the initiative is a simple but powerful message: justice is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all.

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During a recent session of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, Prof Omari Fakih Hamad, the ACT-Wazalendo representative for Pandani constituency, applauded the campaign, calling it a “lifeline” for thousands of citizens.

“As the number of people in need of legal services continues to rise, Mama Samia’s legal aid initiative must become a permanent effort,” he urged, emphasising the need for sustainable legal aid programmes that go beyond physical infrastructure.

Opposition party ADATADEA’s nominated House Representative, Mr Juma Ali Khatib, echoed these sentiments, citing the gratitude expressed by citizens in both Unguja and Pemba.

“It is evident that many people feel they have been given a voice through this campaign,” he noted.

This cross-party support is mirrored on the ground, where the campaign is already showing results. In Zanzibar alone, over 36,788 citizens have so far benefited from the legal aid services-19,866 of them women and 16,922 men, just within a period of less than a month of the services.

The campaign has been officially launched in several regions, including South Pemba, South Unguja and North Unguja.

At each launch, leaders have stressed the campaign’s role in fostering peace and social stability. President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who launched the campaign in South Unguja, affirmed the dual commitment of both Union and Zanzibar governments to uphold justice as a cornerstone of national unity and development.

“Strong foundations of justice and good governance are key pillars for maintaining peace, unity and national stability,” Dr Mwinyi declared, pointing out that justice delays and denials are often catalysts for social unrest.

Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Constitution and Legal Affairs, Dr Jumanne Abdallah Sagini, reported that over two million Tanzanians have so far received legal aid and education through MSLAC, a staggering figure that illustrates the nationwide impact of the initiative.

In North Unguja, where the campaign was launched at Mkwajuni Tumaini grounds, Zanzibar’s Minister of State Dr Haroun Ali Suleiman emphasised the need for citizens to actively engage with the campaign.

“Many members of society face legal conflicts that require resolution, but lack of knowledge keeps them from pursuing justice,” he said.

He urged citizens with special needs to use the campaign to fight for their rights and advance equality.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Mansura Mossi Kassim reiterated that the campaign aims to resolve a range of social disputes through timely and accessible legal support.

According to Mr Joseph Magaza, President of the Zanzibar Bar Association, the campaign is a testament to Tanzania’s commitment to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

“Legal aid is not a luxury it’s a right. Every citizen, regardless of political affiliation or financial status, is entitled to protection under the law,” he stated.

The campaign is also being supported by the judiciary’s ongoing modernisation efforts, including the development of an online case management system and the establishment of legal aid offices within new court complexes.

Mr Mzee Ali Haji, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office, summed up the spirit behind the campaign: “This is a shared vision, one that requires collaboration between the people, the judiciary and civil society to identify challenges and create sustainable solutions.”

Speaking at the Mwanamashungi Garden Grounds in Chake Chake, Chief Justice (CJ) Khamis Ramadhan Abdalla highlighted the campaign’s focus on marginalised groups.

“This initiative especially supports women, children and people with disabilities those who are often left behind due to financial constraints,” he said.

He also observed that the campaign would help reduce the backlog of court cases by encouraging mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, thus easing pressure on the judiciary.

South Pemba Regional Commissioner (RC) Rashid Hadidi Rashid emphasised that the services are offered free of charge and serve as a critical tool for promoting peace, especially in the leadup to the 2025 general elections.

“This campaign will be a lifeline for many,” he said, urging legal officers to serve with compassion and integrity.

As the Mama Samia Legal Aid Campaign continues to expand, it is not only bringing justice closer to citizens but also redefining what governance looks like in practice.

By meeting people where they are, both geographically and socially, the campaign is setting a new standard for inclusive justice in Tanzania.

It is a bold step forward and one that may well be remembered as a cornerstone in the country’s journey toward peace, equality and lasting stability.