Zanzibar First VP urges GNU leaders to cooperate

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman has called on leaders appointed to serve in the Government of National Unity (GNU) to focus on cooperation rather than competition, saying their responsibility is to strengthen unity, solidarity and reconciliation for the development of Zanzibar.

Mr Othman made the call in Chake Chake, South Pemba, where he addressed residents and ACT-Wazalendo supporters during his first public rally since returning to the First Vice-President’s post.

He said the reconciliation between ACT-Wazalendo and CCM was driven by the need to promote unity and understanding among Zanzibaris, rather than competition for government positions.

Mr Othman, who is also ACT-Wazalendo National Chairman, said the agreement signed on July 9, 2026, has created an opportunity for political leaders to work together in the interests of Zanzibar.

He said reaching the reconciliation agreement required considerable effort, sacrifice and commitment from various leaders.

“It is important for all Zanzibaris to work together to implement and protect the reconciliation,” he said.

Mr Othman described the decisions taken by ACT-Wazalendo during the reconciliation process as courageous, warning that individuals or groups should not be allowed to undermine the agreement.

He said some people with interests outside the reconciliation process had openly criticised the agreement, but maintained that unity was essential for Zanzibar’s development.

“No country in the world can achieve development without building unity,” Mr Othman said, citing Singapore as an example of a country that had made significant progress by putting national unity and national interests first.

He urged ACT-Wazalendo supporters to take the lead in promoting unity, solidarity and cooperation with others, calling on Zanzibaris to put past differences behind them and focus on the future.

On citizens’ rights, including access to Zanzibar resident identification cards, Mr Othman directed leaders at various levels to ensure that all eligible Zanzibaris receive their identification documents.

ACT-Wazalendo Zanzibar Deputy Chairman Ismail Jussa Ladhu criticised what he described as selfishness and personal ambition among some party leaders, saying such tendencies could undermine the interests of Zanzibar and its people.

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He pledged to oppose such behaviour, saying the party remained committed to building “a new Zanzibar, one Zanzibar, with full authority and equal consideration of the interests of all.”

Mr Jussa said reaching the reconciliation agreement had required considerable effort, courage and wisdom, particularly from Mr Othman, whom he said had focused less on pursuing political positions and more on preventing recurring post-election divisions in Zanzibar.

He said the reconciliation process would contribute to building a united Zanzibar and promoting development for all Zanzibaris.

ACT-Wazalendo Zanzibar Deputy Secretary General Omar Ali Sheha urged party members and Zanzibaris to recognise that the journey towards their desired Zanzibar was not yet complete.

He said the ultimate objective was to build one Zanzibar in which citizens trust one another, remain united and enjoy greater economic and social development.

Mr Othman arrived in Pemba for a two-day official visit, his first trip to the island since he was sworn in as First Vice-President on September 22, 2026, following the July 9 political reconciliation agreement that paved the way for the formation of the GNU in Zanzibar.