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Zanzibar Poisedfor Political Shift Wazalendo Party Sets Sightson 2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, August 20th 2025 at 4:59 GMT by The Citizen
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The political landscape of Zanzibar is bracing for a significant shift as the ACT-Wazalendo party has declared 2025 to be a pivotal year, signaling an intensified push for greater autonomy and reforms within the semi-autonomous Tanzanian archipelago. This declaration, made by party leader Zana Abeid Salim, comes amidst ongoing tensions between Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania over resource control, political representation, and economic development. The Citizen’s recent report highlights the escalating stakes and potential ramifications of this bold move.

For years, ACT-Wazalendo has been a vocal advocate for increased Zanzibari self-governance. Their core argument centers on the historical context – Zanzibar's independent sultanate before its integration into Tanganyika (later Tanzania) in 1964. While granted semi-autonomous status within the United Republic of Tanzania, many Zanzibaris feel their rights and interests are consistently undermined by mainland policies and a perceived imbalance of power. The party’s platform champions greater control over natural resources, particularly marine assets like fisheries and seabed minerals, which they believe should primarily benefit the Zanzibari people.

The declaration of 2025 as a turning point isn't arbitrary. It coincides with the next general election cycle in Tanzania, providing ACT-Wazalendo with a crucial opportunity to amplify their message and potentially gain greater political influence. The party aims to leverage this window to push for constitutional reforms that would solidify Zanzibar’s autonomy and address long-standing grievances. These demands include revisiting revenue sharing agreements, ensuring equitable representation in national institutions, and granting Zanzibar more legislative power over its internal affairs.

The current system, as explained by analysts like Dr. Bakari Mwapachu (referenced in the original article), has created a persistent feeling of marginalization among Zanzibaris. The revenue generated from Zanzibar’s resources often flows to mainland Tanzania, leaving the archipelago with limited funds for development projects and social programs. This economic disparity fuels resentment and strengthens ACT-Wazalendo's appeal, particularly amongst younger generations who have not experienced the pre-union era.

However, the path forward is fraught with challenges. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which has dominated Tanzanian politics since independence, maintains a firm grip on power. While CCM acknowledges Zanzibar’s unique status, it remains wary of any moves that could potentially threaten national unity or undermine its authority. The party leadership has consistently downplayed ACT-Wazalendo's demands and framed them as divisive and detrimental to the country's stability.

Furthermore, the political climate in Tanzania is increasingly restrictive. Recent years have seen a crackdown on opposition voices and civil society organizations, raising concerns about freedom of expression and assembly. ACT-Wazalendo has already faced numerous obstacles, including arrests of party officials, restrictions on public gatherings, and alleged intimidation tactics aimed at silencing dissent. The upcoming election cycle will likely be heavily scrutinized for fairness and transparency.

The declaration by ACT-Wazalendo also comes against the backdrop of ongoing legal battles concerning land ownership and resource rights in Zanzibar. Disputes over traditional land tenure systems versus government claims have created tensions within communities and further complicated the political landscape. Resolving these issues is crucial to fostering stability and ensuring that any reforms benefit all Zanzibaris, not just a select few.

The party’s strategy for 2025 involves several key components: mobilizing grassroots support through community engagement programs, building alliances with other opposition parties (although internal divisions within the Tanzanian opposition remain a significant hurdle), and strategically utilizing media platforms to raise awareness about their cause both domestically and internationally. They are also focusing on educating Zanzibaris about their rights and empowering them to participate actively in the political process.

The Citizen’s report emphasizes that ACT-Wazalendo's declaration is not merely a symbolic gesture but represents a serious commitment to pursuing greater autonomy for Zanzibar. Whether they can successfully navigate the complex political terrain, overcome the challenges posed by the CCM government, and achieve their goals remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: 2025 promises to be a defining year in Zanzibar’s ongoing quest for self-determination and a more equitable relationship within the United Republic of Tanzania. The coming months will be critical in shaping the future political trajectory of this historically significant archipelago. The success of ACT-Wazalendo's efforts hinges on their ability to maintain unity, garner broader support, and navigate the potential repercussions from the government’s response. The stakes are high, not just for Zanzibar but also for Tanzania as a whole, as the resolution of these tensions could have profound implications for national unity and stability.