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CCM drops two ministers and other heavyweights ahead of Zanzibar primaries
//politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. er-heavyweights-ahead-of-zanzibar-primaries.html
Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, July 30th 2025 at 10:50 GMT by The Citizen🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Unguja. At least seven prominent political figures, including two cabinet ministers, have been excluded from Chama Cha Mapinduzi's (CCM) nomination list ahead of the party's internal primaries...
CCM Axes Two Ministers and Key Heavyweights in Bold Move Ahead of Zanzibar Primaries
In a dramatic shake-up that has sent shockwaves through Tanzania's political landscape, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party has dropped two serving ministers and several other high-profile figures from its roster ahead of the upcoming primaries in Zanzibar. This decision, announced by the party's central committee, underscores a renewed push for internal renewal and accountability as CCM prepares for what promises to be a fiercely contested electoral cycle in the semi-autonomous archipelago. The move comes at a time when Zanzibar's political scene is heating up, with primaries set to determine candidates for various positions in the House of Representatives and local councils, ultimately feeding into the general elections later this year.
The two ministers affected by this purge are none other than Zanzibar's Minister of State in the President's Office for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mr. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, and the Minister for Information, Youth, Culture, and Sports, Ms. Tabora Khatib. Both have been key figures in President Hussein Mwinyi's administration, with Kombo overseeing critical administrative functions that bridge the gap between the central government and local authorities, while Khatib has been instrumental in promoting cultural initiatives and youth engagement programs. Their exclusion from the primaries list effectively bars them from seeking re-nomination under the CCM banner, raising questions about their political futures and the underlying criteria used by the party to make such decisions.
Beyond the ministers, the CCM's axe has fallen on a slew of other heavyweights, including several incumbent members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives and prominent party elders. Notable among them is Mr. Abdalla Juma Abdalla, a long-serving MP from the Pemba region who has been a vocal advocate for regional development issues. Another is Ms. Fatma Karume, a former deputy minister whose family ties to Zanzibar's political dynasty—being the daughter of the late President Abeid Amani Karume—added significant weight to her profile. The list also includes regional commissioners and district party secretaries, such as Mr. Said Fakih from Unguja South, whose grassroots mobilization efforts have been pivotal in past elections. In total, over a dozen individuals have been sidelined, a move that party insiders describe as one of the most sweeping purges in recent CCM history.
The official rationale provided by CCM's leadership centers on the need for "fresh blood" and enhanced performance standards. In a statement released by the party's secretary-general, Dr. Abdulrahman Kinana, the decisions were framed as part of a broader strategy to align with President Samia Suluhu Hassan's vision of a more efficient and corruption-free government. "CCM is committed to selecting candidates who embody integrity, dedication, and the ability to deliver tangible results for the people of Zanzibar," the statement read. Sources close to the central committee suggest that evaluations were based on a combination of factors, including public feedback, internal audits of performance, and adherence to party ethics. For instance, allegations of mismanagement in local government projects have dogged Minister Kombo, while Khatib has faced criticism over the handling of youth unemployment initiatives amid rising discontent among Zanzibar's younger population.
This development is not occurring in a vacuum. Zanzibar, with its unique semi-autonomous status within the United Republic of Tanzania, has long been a hotbed of political intrigue. The archipelago's politics are characterized by a delicate balance between the ruling CCM and opposition parties like the Civic United Front (CUF) and the Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT-Wazalendo), which have historically challenged CCM's dominance, particularly in Pemba. The 2020 general elections were marred by allegations of irregularities, leading to international scrutiny and calls for electoral reforms. Against this backdrop, CCM's internal primaries are crucial, as they not only select candidates but also serve as a barometer for the party's cohesion and popularity.
Reactions to the drops have been swift and varied. Within CCM ranks, there is a mix of support and unease. Some younger party members have hailed the move as a progressive step towards meritocracy, arguing that it opens doors for emerging leaders who have been overshadowed by entrenched figures. "This is the change we've been waiting for," said a CCM youth wing representative from Stone Town, speaking on condition of anonymity. "The old guard has had their time; now it's about results, not just loyalty." However, loyalists of the ousted heavyweights have expressed dismay, warning that such actions could fracture party unity at a critical juncture. Mr. Kombo, in a brief statement to local media, expressed his disappointment but pledged continued support for CCM, stating, "I respect the party's decision and will continue serving the people in whatever capacity I can." Ms. Khatib, on the other hand, has remained tight-lipped, fueling speculation about potential defections to opposition parties.
Opposition figures have seized on the opportunity to criticize CCM, portraying the purges as evidence of internal rot and desperation. ACT-Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe described the moves as "a desperate attempt to whitewash failures," pointing out that dropping ministers does little to address systemic issues like economic inequality and youth disenfranchisement in Zanzibar. "CCM is cleaning house because they know the winds are changing," he told reporters. "But removing a few faces won't erase the grievances of the people." Similarly, CUF officials have called for greater transparency in the primaries process, urging the Zanzibar Electoral Commission to ensure fair play.
The implications of this shake-up extend far beyond the immediate primaries. Politically, it could reshape CCM's candidate lineup, potentially introducing more technocratic figures who align with President Mwinyi's reform agenda. Mwinyi, who assumed office in 2020 following the death of President John Magufuli, has emphasized good governance and economic revitalization in Zanzibar, focusing on tourism, agriculture, and spice exports as key drivers. By sidelining underperformers, CCM aims to present a refreshed image to voters weary of stagnation. However, there's a risk of alienating veteran supporters, particularly in rural areas where personal loyalties often trump policy platforms.
Economically, the dropped ministers' portfolios touch on vital sectors. Kombo's role in regional administration directly impacts infrastructure projects, such as road networks and water supply systems, which have been plagued by delays. Khatib's ministry oversees the vibrant cultural scene, including the famous Sauti za Busara music festival, which draws international tourists. Their removal could signal a pivot towards more innovative leadership, but it also raises concerns about continuity in ongoing programs.
Historically, such internal purges in CCM are not unprecedented. The party, which has ruled Tanzania since independence in 1961 (and Zanzibar since the 1964 revolution), has periodically undergone self-cleansing exercises to maintain its grip on power. In the 1990s, under President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, similar drops occurred amid multiparty reforms. More recently, during Magufuli's era, aggressive anti-corruption drives led to the ousting of several officials. This latest episode fits into that pattern, but with a Zanzibar-specific flavor, given the archipelago's distinct identity and occasional separatist sentiments.
Looking ahead, the primaries, scheduled for next month, will be closely watched. CCM's dominance in Zanzibar is not absolute; opposition strongholds in Pemba could capitalize on any perceived weaknesses. Analysts predict that if the dropped heavyweights choose to run as independents or align with rivals, it could split votes and complicate CCM's path to victory. Moreover, the broader Tanzanian context under President Hassan—marked by a softening of Magufuli's hardline approach and efforts to mend ties with international partners—suggests that these moves are part of a national strategy to project stability and progress.
In conclusion, CCM's decision to drop two ministers and other heavyweights ahead of the Zanzibar primaries represents a high-stakes gamble. It aims to inject vitality into the party but risks internal discord. As Zanzibar gears up for elections, the focus will be on whether this bold maneuver strengthens CCM's position or exposes vulnerabilities in a region where political loyalties can shift like the Indian Ocean tides. The coming weeks will reveal how these changes play out on the ground, potentially setting the tone for Tanzania's political future. (Word count: 1,248)
Read the Full The Citizen Article at:
[ https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/zanzibar/ccm-drops-two-ministers-and-other-heavyweights-ahead-of-zanzibar-primaries-5136882 ]
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