Reconciliation process driven by national interest, says ACT Wazalendo
ZANZIBAR: ACT Wazalendo National Chairman, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, has said the party’s participation in the ongoing reconciliation process with CCM is driven by the broader interests of Zanzibar rather than personal or political gain.
Mr Othman made the remarks at the party’s offices in Shangani, North Unguja, where he met party leaders from various levels as part of his ongoing tour to explain developments surrounding the reconciliation agreement between CCM and ACT Wazalendo.
The agreement was outlined in a joint statement issued on July 9, 2026, at the Zanzibar State House following months of political discussions.
Mr Othman said ACT Wazalendo leaders were prepared to support any initiative they believed would benefit Zanzibar, even where such measures might not directly serve the interests of the party or its leaders.
“We are prepared to support anything that we believe will help build our country and benefit Zanzibar,” he said, urging citizens to embrace the same approach in supporting development and reforms.
He said ACT Wazalendo genuinely believed that implementing areas agreed upon through the reconciliation process could help Zanzibar overcome some of its longstanding challenges and bring about much-needed reforms.
According to Mr Othman, implementation of the agreement should not be viewed as a favour to ACT Wazalendo or its leaders, but as a right of Zanzibar’s people and an opportunity to introduce reforms demanded by citizens.
He urged Zanzibar residents to support reforms in areas including elections, constitutional changes and local government, saying such reforms were matters of public interest.
Mr Othman also cautioned citizens against viewing the reconciliation process as an attempt by ACT Wazalendo to win elections or secure political positions.
On the proposed formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU), Mr Othman said the process would follow the establishment of a joint implementation and oversight committee with equal representation from CCM and ACT Wazalendo.
He said the committee would be supported by a secretariat and would oversee implementation of the agreed measures.
Although a final implementation timetable had not yet been established, Mr Othman said initial steps had already been taken, including the preparation and exchange of draft recommendations between the two parties.
Former ACT Wazalendo Chairman, Mr Babu Juma Duni Haji, urged Zanzibaris to recognise that building a better future for current and future generations was a collective responsibility.
He said Zanzibar faced political, economic and social challenges that could only be addressed through united efforts by its people.
ACT Wazalendo National ViceChairman, Mr Ismail Jussa Ladhu, urged Zanzibaris to protect and strengthen the party, describing it as an important vehicle for pursuing the changes they seek.
ALSO READ: Tanzania’s peace, economy — TEF
The tour, which began in Pemba, is expected to continue in South Unguja as Mr Othman and other party leaders explain developments surrounding the July 9, 2026 reconciliation agreement to citizens and party members.
