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Zanzibar Poised for Political Shift: Wazalendo Party Sets Sights on 2025

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 11:55 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 Othman Shaaban, marks a clear escalation in their long-standing struggle against perceived marginalization and unequal power dynamics with the mainland government.

For years, ACT-Wazalendo has voiced concerns regarding the limited self-governance afforded to Zanzibar and Pemba. The party argues that key decisions impacting the islands’ social, economic, and political development are often dictated by Dar es Salaam, undermining local agency and hindering progress. This sentiment resonates strongly with a significant portion of the Zanzibari population who feel their voices are not adequately heard within the national framework.

The 2025 declaration isn't merely symbolic; it represents a strategic commitment to action. Shaaban outlined a multi-pronged approach, focusing on strengthening grassroots mobilization, intensifying advocacy efforts, and actively engaging in dialogue – both with the central government and international stakeholders – to push for constitutional reforms that would grant Zanzibar greater autonomy.

A core demand of ACT-Wazalendo revolves around revisiting the 1964 Revolution Agreement, a foundational document outlining the relationship between Tanganyika (the mainland) and Zanzibar following the overthrow of the Sultanate. While initially intended to unite the two entities, the party contends that its implementation has consistently favored the mainland, leaving Zanzibar with limited control over crucial resources and decision-making processes. They advocate for a renegotiation of this agreement to ensure a more equitable distribution of power and revenue.

The party’s concerns extend beyond constitutional matters. ACT-Wazalendo also highlights issues such as unequal access to education and healthcare, disparities in infrastructure development, and the perceived lack of Zanzibari representation in key national institutions. They argue that these systemic inequalities contribute to a sense of disenfranchisement among the islanders and necessitate urgent corrective measures.

The declaration comes at a time of heightened political tension within Zanzibar. Recent elections have been marred by accusations of irregularities and violence, further fueling discontent and eroding trust in the electoral process. ACT-Wazalendo has consistently criticized these shortcomings, calling for comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections. The party’s commitment to peaceful activism is a key element of their strategy, aiming to build broad support while avoiding escalation into conflict.

However, navigating this path will be challenging. The central government in Dar es Salaam has historically been reluctant to cede significant power or resources to Zanzibar. Any move towards greater autonomy would likely face resistance from those who believe it could threaten national unity and stability. The ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party, which dominates the political landscape of Tanzania, views maintaining a strong central government as paramount.

Furthermore, ACT-Wazalendo's influence is primarily concentrated within Zanzibar itself. While they have attempted to build alliances with opposition parties on the mainland, these efforts have yielded limited success. Expanding their reach and building a broader national coalition will be crucial for achieving their long-term goals.

The international community also plays a role in this evolving dynamic. Human rights organizations and foreign governments have expressed concerns about the political situation in Zanzibar and have called for greater respect for democratic principles and human rights. ACT-Wazalendo intends to leverage these external voices to amplify its message and exert pressure on the government to address their demands.

Looking ahead, 2025 promises to be a defining year for Zanzibar’s political future. The declaration by ACT-Wazalendo signals an intensification of the struggle for greater autonomy and reform. Whether this will lead to meaningful progress remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the island's relationship with the mainland is entering a new and potentially transformative phase. The coming months will be critical in determining whether dialogue and compromise can prevail or if tensions escalate further, shaping the political trajectory of Zanzibar for years to come. The party’s success hinges on their ability to mobilize popular support, navigate complex political dynamics, and maintain a steadfast commitment to peaceful advocacy while facing potential resistance from established power structures.