Political leaders welcome Othman’s reappointment as Z’bar First VP

ZANZIBAR: POLITICAL party leaders and cadres in Zanzibar have welcomed President Hussein Ali Mwinyi’s reappointment of Othman Masoud Othman as First Vice-President, describing it as an important step towards implementing the constitutional framework for the Government of National Unity (GNU).

President Mwinyi appointed Mr Othman on September 18, 2026, following his nomination by ACT-Wazalendo. He is expected to take the oath of office on September 22. According to a statement issued by Chief Secretary and Secretary to the Revolutionary Council, Ms Mansura Mosi Kassim, the appointment took effect yesterday. Mr Othman, popularly known as OMO, previously served as First Vice-President from 2021 until 2025, when the previous GNU arrangement ended following the General Election.

The reappointment follows months of political dialogue between CCM and ACT-Wazalendo. On July 9, 2026, the two parties signed a joint declaration outlining steps towards reconciliation and implementation of the constitutional framework for a GNU.

Speaking in Zanzibar, Chairman of the Political Parties Council, Mr Juma Ali Khatib, described the appointment as a positive development towards establishing the GNU provided for under Zanzibar’s Constitution. He said the arrangement could strengthen unity and cooperation among Zanzibaris while creating an opportunity for political reconciliation after years of differences.

“Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi has once again demonstrated his readiness to work with the opposition towards establishing a Government of National Unity that brings all citizens together,” he said. Former NCCR-Mageuzi presidential candidate Leila Rajab also welcomed the appointment, saying it could help unite Zanzibaris and enable them to focus on development.

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“I am pleased with the deliberate efforts taken by CCM through President Dr Mwinyi, who, after last year’s General Election, worked to bring citizens together through political reconciliation for the purpose of building the country,” she said.

CCM cadre and former Deputy Secretary-General of CCM Zanzibar, Vuai Ali Vuai, said the appointment was part of a gradual process towards implementing the reconciliation agreement. He cited the joint declaration between CCM and ACT-Wazalendo, the establishment of mechanisms to advance reconciliation and the appointment of two ACTWazalendo members to the House of Representatives as steps already taken. Mr Vuai said Mr Othman’s return to the position further demonstrated the government’s implementation of the political agreement and constitutional requirements governing the GNU.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Alliance for Farmers Party (AFP), Mr Said Soud, welcomed the development but called for a broader approach to the unity government.

“The journey towards establishing the Government of National Unity has matured, but the system should involve other political parties and not only CCM and ACTWazalendo,” he said.

Under the agreed GNU framework, ACT-Wazalendo is entitled to the First Vice-President position and four ministerial portfolios covering Health; Trade and Industry; Tourism and Antiquities; and Minister of State in the Office of the First Vice-President. Mr Othman’s appointment restores the First VicePresident position within the agreed power-sharing structure between the two parties.

Meanwhile, President Mwinyi has appointed Ms Hafsa Hassan Mbamba as Deputy Executive Director of the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), effective September 18. Before the appointment, Ms Mbamba served as Tourism Sector Manager at the Presidential Delivery Bureau (PDB).