Z’bar marks Anti-Slavery Day with unity, reconciliation call

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBAR’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman has urged the public to use the commemoration of the abolition of slavery day as a platform to promote unity, reconciliation, and social harmony across the country.

Speaking during the antslavery day, which was commemorated at the Anglican Cathedral, Mkunazini area in Stone Town, Mr Othman said that the event offers an opportunity for academic dialogue, cultural preservation and promotion of Zanzibar’s rich historical heritage as a tourism asset.

Mr Othman represented President Husein Mwinyi at the event.

He said stakeholders must work together to recognize the day as a strategic opportunity for Zanzibar to present itself as a historical tourism hub and ensure key sites are protected and developed as national heritage.

“These commemorations are not politically driven. They are meant to enhance our collective memory and attract both domestic and international tourists to experience our history,” said Othman.

He said that the government, through the Department of Museums and Antiquities, has initiated plans to preserve key historical sites in Unguja and Pemba where slaves passed through.

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He also revealed ongoing consultations regarding the return of the former St. Monica School building to the Anglican Church, with a decision expected after the review is completed.

Tourism and Heritage Minister Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga highlighted Zanzibar’s leading role in honouring this important historical milestone and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring slavery is never repeated.

The Anglican Archbishop Dr Maimbo Mdolwa raised concerns over modern forms of slavery, including deceptive domestic work contracts that lead to exploitation abroad.

He also criticized the overreliance on foreign languages in schools, advocating for Kiswahili to be the primary language of instruction, to enhance learning and national identity.

This year marks the second time Zanzibar holds such commemorations, first initiated in June last year, with the aim of reinforcing partnerships to ensure slavery is remembered but never repeated.