Chake Chake. Opposition Party ACT-Wazalendo’s National Chairman, Othman Masoud Othman, last Sunday praised the efforts of Zanzibar’s sixth phase President, Amani Abeid Karume, for his role in healing the nation’s wounds, a process that led to the formation of the Government of National Unity in 2010.
Speaking to the party’s leaders, members, supporters, and followers during a public rally at the Kipangani Grounds in Ole constituency, Chake Chake, Othman highlighted Karume’s initiative of the constitutional amendment process.
“You may recall that during the funeral of the late President Mwinyi at the Amani Stadium, Karume recounted Mwinyi’s advice that the country was suffering and that it was crucial for him, as head of state, to heal those wounds,” Othman said.
Othman explained that acting on this advice, President Karume appointed a committee that included Othman to develop recommendations for improving governance.
“He appointed me as one of his lieutenants to lead the team. Our recommendations included establishing the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the office of the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) due to rampant thefts in the government,” he added.
Othman Masoud was subsequently appointed Zanzibar’s first DPP, a role, he said, he performed diligently.
“For the first time, we convicted individuals from the ruling party of burning a hotel.
This was a significant milestone in Zanzibar’s history,” he noted.
However, he said Zanzibar’s development goals remained a distant dream without full autonomy.
“Autonomy is crucial for the economy, as even obtaining a loan is impossible without such authority.
It is surprising to see those who claim to be rulers showing no enthusiasm for development or concern for their country,” Othman emphasized.
He stressed that unity, solidarity, and equality are essential for driving change and development.
He called for a unified effort to advocate for a new Zanzibar—one with full autonomy.
ACT-Wazalendo’s Vice Chairman (Zanzibar), Mr. Ismail Jussa, honored the late Maalim Seif by stating that it is vital to place his successor, Othman, in the right position—specifically at the State House of Zanzibar—to uphold the principles necessary to restore Zanzibar’s status.
ACT-Wazalendo Central Committee member Mansoor Yussuf Himid spoke about the late Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad’s truth, integrity, and good intentions that led him to leave Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and join ACT-Wazalendo, aiming for a Zanzibar with full authority.
“To overcome our current challenges, we must improve our economy and provide better living standards for our citizens.
The only way to achieve this is by voting ACT-Wazalendo into power,” Mansoor emphasized.
He also criticized CCM for claiming affiliation with the Afro-Shirazi Party and the revolutionary founder, Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, arguing that CCM does not uphold the principles established by ASP and Mzee Karume.
“It is an insult for CCM to claim association with ASP,” he said.
Earlier, while opening the meeting, ACT-Wazalendo’s Chake Chake Regional Secretary, Mr Saleh Nassor Juma, declared that the party’s Chake Chake region is strong and prepared for the General Election in October 2025, with the goal of electing Othman Masoud as the President of Zanzibar.
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