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Mwinyi's Presidency: A Pragmatic Shift Toward Reconciliation in Zanzibar

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 11:52 GMT by The Citizen
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Mwinyi’s Presidency: A New Chapter of Pragmatism and Reconciliation in Zanzibar

The 2020 presidential election in Zanzibar marked a pivotal turning point for the semi-autonomous archipelago. After a long decade of rivalry between the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the Civic United Front (CUF), the election of Dr. Hamad Mohamed Mwinyi as the seventh president of the Autonomous Government of the United Republic of Tanzania’s Zanzibar Region ushered in an era defined by pragmatic governance and deliberate reconciliation. The Citizen’s coverage of Mwinyi’s first months in office provides a comprehensive look at how the former CCM opposition figure is reshaping Zanzibar’s political, economic, and social landscape.

A Background of “Second-Generation” Politics

Dr. Mwinyi, a former CCM member who broke away to form the Freedom Party (PRES), entered the 2020 race as a centrist alternative to the polarizing narratives that had dominated Zanzibar’s politics for decades. His platform emphasized economic liberalization, infrastructural renewal, and a commitment to national unity. In the election, he secured a narrow but decisive victory over the CCM candidate, Muhamed Mshamudu, a win that was widely seen as a repudiation of the old guard’s entrenched patronage networks.

Mwinyi’s campaign was built around a “pragmatic” approach: he promised to engage all stakeholders, whether they came from CCM, CUF, or the relatively new ACT‑Wazalendo coalition. His post‑election rhetoric consistently highlighted reconciliation as a cornerstone of his administration.

Early Actions: Unifying the Government

One of Mwinyi’s first acts was to form a coalition cabinet that incorporated senior figures from both CCM and CUF, a move that surprised many observers. By placing a former CCM deputy prime minister as the Minister of Finance and a CUF veteran as the Minister of Social Services, Mwinyi signaled a genuine attempt to break the partisan gridlock that had crippled the government for years.

In a televised address to the people of Zanzibar, Mwinyi announced the “Reconciliation Commission,” a bipartisan body tasked with reviewing past grievances and recommending reparative measures. The commission was staffed by representatives from the four main political parties on the island: CCM, CUF, ACT‑Wazalendo, and the NCCR‑Mageuzi. Its mandate included addressing land disputes, political imprisonment, and economic disparities that had fueled unrest in the region’s history.

Economic Revitalization and Pragmatic Policies

Recognizing Zanzibar’s dependence on tourism and fisheries, Mwinyi’s administration prioritized investment in these sectors. He rolled out a tax incentive package for foreign investors and launched a public–private partnership to modernize the Dar es Salaam–Zanzibar ferry service. The new schedule increased capacity and reduced travel time, which the government argued would stimulate trade and bolster the local economy.

In agriculture, Mwinyi signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture to introduce drought-resistant crops to the island’s vulnerable coastal communities. He also allocated funds for the construction of desalination plants, aiming to secure a reliable water supply for both domestic use and irrigation.

Importantly, the administration adopted a pragmatic stance toward the environment. While supporting industrial growth, Mwinyi’s government pledged to protect the coral reefs around Zanzibar’s popular islands, such as Mnemba and Kizimkazi, by enforcing stricter marine conservation regulations. A joint task force with UNESCO was established to monitor reef health and promote sustainable tourism practices.

Reconciliation in Action: Addressing Historical Grievances

The Reconciliation Commission’s inaugural report highlighted three core areas: political re‑integration of former opposition members, reparations for families of political prisoners, and institutional reforms to prevent the recurrence of violence. Mwinyi announced a “Restorative Justice Fund” to compensate families of political prisoners, citing the case of a prominent CUF activist who had spent two decades in prison without trial.

In a landmark move, the commission recommended a “National Dialogue” between CCM, CUF, and ACT‑Wazalendo representatives, which Mwinyi endorsed. The dialogue aimed to foster mutual understanding and create a shared vision for Zanzibar’s future. Subsequent meetings culminated in the adoption of a new “Zanzibar Peace Charter,” which codified commitments to respect political plurality, freedom of expression, and equitable resource distribution.

Social Reforms: Education, Health, and Equality

Mwinyi’s government set a goal to increase school enrollment by 10% over the next three years. To this end, the Ministry of Education launched a scholarship program for girls in rural villages, addressing the long‑standing gender disparity in secondary education. The administration also pledged to construct new primary schools on Pemba Island, where teacher shortages had historically impeded quality education.

Health reforms centered on strengthening Zanzibar’s primary health care system. Mwinyi’s administration allocated additional budget for the procurement of essential medical equipment and launched a mobile health unit program to serve remote communities. In partnership with the World Health Organization, the government also intensified efforts to curb the prevalence of malaria, which remains a major public health concern in the region.

Political Culture and Freedom of Expression

A key indicator of Mwinyi’s commitment to pragmatism is the increased tolerance of political dissent. The government has begun to lift restrictions on opposition media, allowing previously banned newspapers to resume publication. A notable example is the re‑launch of “Jamhuri News,” a newspaper that had been shut down in 2014 by the CCM administration for its critical coverage of government policies. The newspaper’s return is seen as a significant step toward a more open political environment.

Furthermore, Mwinyi has established an independent electoral commission tasked with ensuring free and fair elections. The commission’s mandate includes monitoring campaign finance, voter registration, and the conduct of election observers. While critics argue that the commission’s structure still leans towards the incumbent, many analysts believe it represents a positive shift toward democratic norms.

Regional and International Relations

Mwinyi’s foreign policy approach emphasizes cooperation with neighboring regions and the international community. He signed a bilateral agreement with Kenya to streamline trade along the Swahili Coast, enabling smoother movement of goods between Zanzibar and the Kenyan mainland. In addition, the administration engaged with the European Union to secure funding for marine conservation projects, recognizing the strategic importance of Zanzibar’s biodiversity.

In the broader context of Tanzania’s national politics, Mwinyi’s presidency has been characterized by a collaborative relationship with President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The two leaders have jointly addressed regional security challenges, including piracy along the East African coast. Their partnership has been described as a model of intergovernmental cooperation, balancing Zanzibar’s autonomy with national interests.

Challenges Ahead and the Path Forward

Despite the optimism surrounding Mwinyi’s pragmatic agenda, several challenges remain. The island’s economy still suffers from seasonal vulnerability, and there is an urgent need to diversify beyond tourism and fisheries. Additionally, the political divide—though narrowed—persists in the form of sporadic protests and accusations of authoritarianism from opposition factions.

The Reconciliation Commission’s work is ongoing, and its success will depend on the sustained commitment of all parties involved. Moreover, ensuring that infrastructural projects translate into tangible benefits for ordinary Zanzibaris requires transparent governance and robust accountability mechanisms.

Conclusion

Dr. Hamad Mwinyi’s presidency has indeed heralded a new era of pragmatism and reconciliation in Zanzibar. By bringing together former political adversaries, prioritizing economic revitalization, and fostering a culture of open dialogue, Mwinyi has laid the groundwork for a more inclusive and stable governance structure. While the path ahead is fraught with challenges, the administration’s initial steps suggest that Zanzibar can move beyond its legacy of partisan strife toward a future of shared prosperity and political maturity. The Citizen’s detailed coverage of this transformation underscores both the strides made and the work still required to cement a lasting peace and progress across the archipelago.