The ruling CCM and ACT-Wazalendo yesterday signed a landmark agreement of intent to restore the Government of National Unity (GNU) in Zanzibar.
The joint declaration was signed at the State House in Unguja by top party executives following dialogue that began on November 9, 2025 guided by former Zanzibar presidents Dr Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, the Zanzibar and Union heads of state witnessing the signing.
Analysts say that the pact marks a breakthrough in political reconciliation after nearly eight months of negotiations aimed at resolving the islands’ post-election impasse, as it provides for the establishment of a statutory body to coordinate and oversee implementation of the resolutions reached by the two parties.
Presenting the declaration, Chief Secretary Mansura Mossi Kassim, also secretary to the dialogue committee, said “the first phase of the talks had been successfully concluded and would now be followed by additional stages, including further negotiations under an agreed timetable.”
She said the declaration demonstrates the commitment of CCM and ACT-Wazalendo to finding lasting solutions to Zanzibar’s political, social and governance challenges.
A joint committee will now develop the framework, procedures and scope for implementing the agreed reforms before a statutory implementation commission is established under the law to supervise the process, she said.
Addressing the ceremony, President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi urged all Zanzibaris to support the reconciliation process, asserting that the declaration is a milestone towards implementing the constitutional provisions for the formation of a Government of National Unity under Articles 9(3) and 39 of the 1984 Zanzibar Constitution.
The state leadership would oversee the process in good faith while safeguarding the broader interests of Zanzibar and the Union, he said, while ACT-Wazalendo national chairman Othman Masoud Othman described the agreement as a historic opportunity to resolve Zanzibar’s longstanding political disputes through dialogue and consensus.
The next phase would focus on reforms to rebuild public trust, review the Zanzibar Constitution, reform the electoral system, strengthen the public service, improve the justice system and enhance local government administration, he explained.
The reforms are intended to promote national unity, good governance, accountability, the rule of law and sustainable peace while laying the foundation for long-term economic and social development, he said.
He acknowledged that while many Zanzibaris had welcomed the initiative, others remained sceptical as previous political agreements had not been properly implemented.
ACT-Wazalendo would honour every agreement reached through the dialogue, placing the interests of Zanzibar and its people above partisan considerations, he emphasized, urging the wider public to embrace dialogue as the surest path to lasting peace and development.
In her remarks, President Samia warned against individuals who disguise acts of violence as political activism, as terrorism, destruction of property and attacks on public infrastructure cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Terrorism includes acts intended to intimidate the public or coerce governments into advancing political, ideological or religious interests, adding that such actions threaten peace, discourage investment and undermine economic development.
“Some individuals or groups use language that appears patriotic, but their real motives are driven by personal interests. A person who truly loves their country builds it rather than destroys it,” she stated.
Terrorism has no place in society, she said, reaffirming the government’s responsibility to protect citizens, public property and national sovereignty by all lawful means.
Political leaders and citizens need to resolve differences through dialogue, tolerance and respect for the rule of law, as the reconciliation agreement would strengthen national unity, deepen democratic participation and provide a lasting foundation for peace, stability and inclusive development in Zanzibar, she added.
