Lawyers urge calmness as CHADEMA’s assets distribution case awaits court ruling

DAR ES SALAAM: A team of lawyers representing the former Zanzibar Vice Chairperson of Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA), Said Issa Mohamed, has called on party members to remain calm as they await a court decision in a case concerning the distribution of the party’s assets and resources.

The civil case, No. 8323 of 2025, concerns a dispute over the allocation of party resources between Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

The suit was filed by Mohamed in collaboration with two members of CHADEMA’s Board of Trustees from Zanzibar, Ahmed Rashid Khamis and Maulida Anna Komu.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, senior advocate Gido Semfukwe, assisted by Shabaan Marijani and Alvan Fidelis, said there has been a misconception that the case was initiated by a small group of individuals a claim he dismissed.

“The truth is that this case involves senior party leaders and many supporters who wish to see the party remain in the hands of members at all levels, rather than being controlled by a small group of individuals,” said Semfukwe.

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He explained that the objective of the case is to ensure equitable distribution of assets and balanced participation in political activities between Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, as well as to guarantee that party resources are used for the broader interests of members.

Semfukwe further claimed that once the case is heard, leaders and members will be surprised to learn how party assets and resources — including government subsidies, houses, vehicles, motorcycles, members’ contributions and donations from foreign supporters — have allegedly been misused by a small group of individuals.

He also urged the court handling the matter to treat the case with the seriousness it deserves and to hear and determine it in a timely manner so that justice can be served for both sides.

For his part, Said Issa Mohamed said he decided to take legal action after claiming that he is currently unable to participate in the party’s leadership meetings.

He stated that he had been raising the concerns while still in office and has continued to advocate for members’ rights, particularly those from Zanzibar, even after leaving his leadership position.

Mohamed, who served as CHADEMA Vice Chairperson for approximately 16 years, emphasized that his goal is to ensure fairness and transparency in the management of the party’s assets and resources.