Hamad we will not kill union

Civic United Front (CUF) secretary-general Seif Shariff Hamad has dismissed the assertion that his decision to reconcile with the Zanzibar government was part of a plot to weaken and ultimately kill the Union.

Speaking on Saturday during an Idd Baraza organised by the opposition party, Mr Hamad said, on the contrary, his working together with President Amani Abeid Karume's government would strengthen the Union.

He told CUF supporters and other guests that the Union was facing "many challenges", adding that it was important that Zanzibaris united to be able to effectively address the difficulties.

Mr Hamad said his decision to agree to work together with President Karume's government was a unifying factor that could help Zanzibaris find solutions to most of the problems bedevilling the Union.

The opposition leader denied that he and President Karume harboured a hidden agenda that aimed to sabotage the Union.

"People from both sides of the Union have their views about the agreement. However, I wish to make it clear that there is nothing sinister in our decision to put our differences aside.

Zanzibaris will now be working together as one people�it will be easier for them to fight for their interests in the Union and this will, in turn, strengthen, not weaken, the Union."

Mr Hamad said Union problems were "too complex", and matters had been made worse by divisions among Zanzibaris.

"But we (Zanzibaris) are now united�we will be presenting our case collectively, and it will be easier to say exactly what Zanzibaris want from the Union."

Mr Hamad met with President Karume behind closed doors at the State House in Zanzibar on November 5. The State House said in a statement that the two leaders had decided to bury the hatchet after years of animosity.

Mr Hamad announced at a chaotic public rally two days later that he had decided to recognise Mr Karume as President of Zanzibar, finally abandoning a stance to which he had doggedly held onto for nine years.

President Karume also addressed a public rally last week, and praised Mr Hamad for his "bold" decision to meet him. He said his Government was committed to working with CUF for the prosperity of Zanzibar and its people.

There has been widespread speculation that the meeting has paved the way for the formation of a coalition government ahead of next year's elections in which President Karume will not seek re-election after serving his second and final five-year term.

However, a number of influential figures within the ruling CCM contend that the formation of a unity government in the Isles is not possible at this moment.

Key among those holding this view are two senior Zanzibari ministers.

Speaking on separate occasions last week, the Zanzibar Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Ali Juma Shamuhuna, and the State Minister in the Vice-President�s Office (Union), Mr Muhammad Seif Khatib, opposed the idea of setting up a coalition government.

Mr Shamuhuna, who is also the Isles� minister for Information and Sports, said during a radio interview that Zanzibar did not need a unity government, as that would not solve its current problems.

What was needed in Zanzibar, he said, was to nurture a culture of accepting defeat in elections.

�Zanzibar does not need a coalition government or a government of national unity.

The most important thing is for us to promote the culture of accepting defeat after election results are announced. If we build that culture we will be able to work with any president that is elected,� he told the Zenj FM interviewer.

For his part, Mr Khatib said in Pemba that CCM did not need to merge with any other party to ensure unity among Zanzibaris.

He said only the ruling party could assure the Zanzibaris of unity, �as this is its national policy�.

Mr Hamad did not refer to the formation of a coalition government in his speech on Saturday, but said he was confident that President Karume would stick to what was agreed in their meeting.

�I have confidence in Mr Karume. I haven�t heard or seen anything that suggests that what we agreed will not be implemented."

Without going into details, he said President Karume had started taking steps to implement what he had promised.

Mr Hamad urged Zanzibaris to ignore speculation that CUF's cooperation with the government would not last.

"People who do not wish Zanzibar well have already started to speculate that our cooperation with the government will not last�such people should be ignored."

Earlier, CUF deputy chairman Machano Khamis Ali urged Zanzibaris to ignore those ridiculing CUF's decision to recognise President Karume.

"We should ignore those who belittle what has been going on in Zanzibar... we want this initiative to succeed," he said.

ICC asked to probe 2001 Zanzibar killings

ICC asked to probe 2001 Pemba killings
By The Citizen Reporter

The International Criminal Court (ICC) should investigate the January 2001 Pemba killings in a bid to prosecute its perpetrators, a University of Dar es Salaam law lecturer proposed in the city on Thursday.

Prof Luitfried Mbunda from the Law School said the ICC should treat the Pemba killings in the same way as the post-election violence in Kenya.

�In the two incidents (Pemba killings and post-election Kenya violence), people lost their lives. I don�t know why the ICC is interested in the Kenya incident, but not in the Pemba killings,� said Prof Mbunda.

He was addressing an editors workshop on Human Rights organised by the Commission for Human Rights and Good Governance (CHRGG).

Authorities have confirmed that 31 people, including a policeman, were killed in January 2001 in Pemba and Unguja when a group of Civic United Front (CUF) members and sympathisers demonstrated against the 2000 election results which they believed to have been stolen.

Prof Mbunda hailed the media for its reportage of the incident, saying it has managed to show to what extent human rights in the country is violated.

He termed the media coverage then as one of �most memorable incidents. It played a very important and significant role in highlighting the gross violation of human rights which claimed lives of innocent people.�

No one has been charged in connection with the killings. And Prof Mbunda said the Government reaction to the demonstrators violated people�s rights to life, freedom of association and right to assemble.

He questioned the audacity of Tanzania leaders to assist Kenya in negotiations during the 2007 post-election violence, leaving �the Pemba killings issue pending.�



He wondered: �What was Tanzania leaders� moral authority to assist in the Kenya scenario while they have a similar issue which has not been solved for years now. I think it is time the ICC intervenes and investigates like what it is doing in Kenya.�



About 1,300 people were killed in Kenya and thousands displaced as a result of the post-election violence in 2007. This made the ICC investigate after negotiations brokered by former UN secretary general, Kofi Annan.



Former President Benjamin Mkapa was in Mr Annan�s team, while President Jakaya Kikwete played a crucial role which saw the formation of a unity government in that country.



However, names of alleged perpetrators of the violence were handed to the ICC chief prosecutor, Mr Luis Mreno-Ocampo, who early this year successfully sought permission from the ICC to investigate on the matter.



He came to Kenya where he met with the country�s top leaders, including President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Prominent politicians, including cabinet ministers, are suspected of masterminding the violence and their names are believed to be in the list on which ICC would investigate.
http://www.icc-cpi.int/Menus/ICC/Situations+and+Cases/

Shamhuna no Coalition governement in Zanzibar

Zanzibar Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Ali Juma Shamhuna
Two senior Zanzibari ministers have poured cold water on the prospects of forming a government of national unity in Zanzibar, following the recently improved relations with the opposition Civic United Front (CUF).

Speaking on separate occasions, the Zanzibar Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Ali Juma Shamhuna, and the State Minister in the Vice-President's Office (Union), Mr Mohammed Seif Khatib, opposed the idea of setting up a coalition government.

Their controversial views come in the wake of President Amani Abeid Karume's much-praised ice-breaking meeting with his long-time political rival, CUF supremo Maalim Seif Shariff Hamad, at State House, Zanzibar, during which they agreed to set aside their differences and open a new political chapter of national reconciliation.

Though President Karume and Mr Hamad have not categorically stated that forming a unity government is one of the issues they agreed on at their landmark meeting, many people have praised both men and called on them to form a coalition as a means to end the long-term political standoff in the Isles.

Following, the first meeting between the two key leaders in many years, CUF secretary general Hamad addressed public rallies and announced that his party had decided to formally recognise President Karume, who defeated him in the last two hotly disputed General Elections.

Those in favour of a unity government in Zanzibar, include a former Prime Minister and long-serving international diplomat, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, a Chama Cha Mapinduzi deputy national chairman (Mainland), Mr Pius Msekwa, the registrar of political parties, Mr John Tendwa, and the East African Community (EAC) secretary general, Mr Juma Mapachu. They all said a coalition government was the answer to Zanzibar's political problems.

But yesterday, Mr Shamhuna, who is also the Isles' minister for Information and Sports, said during a radio interview that Zanzibar did not need a unity government, as that would not solve its current problems.

What was needed in Zanzibar, he said, was to nurture a culture of accepting defeat in elections.

"Zanzibar does not need a coalition government or a government of national unity. The most important thing is for us to promote the culture of accepting defeat after election results are announced. If we build that culture we will be able to work with any president that is elected," he told the Zenj FM interviewer.

For his part, Mr Khatib said in Pemba earlier this week that CCM did not need to merge with any other party to ensure unity among Zanzibaris.

He said only the ruling party could assure the Zanzibaris of unity, "as this is its national policy".

Mr Shamhuna said Zanzibaris should elect people who would deliver the goods, and that those defeated should learn to accept defeat and cooperate with the government in power.

"If we form a coalition government thinking that will be the solution to our problems, we will be wasting time, as what ails us is selfishness and lack of a sense of nationhood,"he declared.

As long as politicians continued to pursue their personal interests, no lasting solution to the problems in Zanzibar would be found.

"The solution is to do away with selfishness. We don't need speeches or meetings in order to do that," said the deputy Chief Minister, who has been mentioned as being among those eyeing the Zanzibar presidency next year.

Mr Karume will not be seeking re-election, as he will be completing his second and final five-year term.

Mr Shamhuna said: "It seems some people have forgotten that Zanzibar is a revolutionary country. Some take Zanzibar as a country of lazy people. People have forgotten that we gained our independence through a revolution."

He said a group of Zanzibar "hardliners" would still oppose even if another party won power in a democratic election.

Mr Khatib, who has also been mentioned as a potential presidential contender, said: "We do not need to work together with another party because only CCM can unite all Zanzibaris."

He said CCM members in Pemba had been tolerant despite being harassed and mistreated by their CUF counterparts.

"This is not small issue. You have continued to be loyal to CCM despite all the hardships you are facing. This proves that CCM can unite you without having to co-operate with any other party," said Mr Khatib, in an address to CCM members in Pemba that was yesterday aired on Zenj FM, which he owns.

Commenting on who President Karume's successor next year should be, Mr Shamhuna said: "Age does not matter. Zanzibar needs a person who can manage the country's affairs and tackle the prevailing challenges.

"Given where we have reached, when I am asked what kind of a President we need next year, my view is that we need a person who can manage Zanzibar well. We don�t necessarily need a young or old person," he said.

Such a leader, he added, should then pick his team on merit.

But he said there was no need to include politicians from a rival party for supposed political reconciliation to be achieved.

"We should pick people on merit and should not allow anyone to pressure us," he said.

He said there were three or four groups supporting those aspiring to take over leadership from President Karume.

"We have heard them say that if their person is not nominated they will not vote. Others want a youthful candidate.

Some are talking about their turn to produce a president. We have heard all of them and I think there are three or four groups gunning for the presidency," he said in programme, which was repeated several times.

But he argued that no one would be elected the Zanzibar President "because it is his turn or because he is young".

He added: "We are not going to yield to any pressure. Zanzibar will not elect a president on someone else's whims."

He said the Zanzibar president should be a Zanzibari and it shouldn't matter whether he's from Unguja or Pemba.

President Karume told reporters at Zanzibar Airport on Saturday evening that the elections would not be held

Karume: No elections next year in Zanzibar if...
By Salma Said, Zanzibar

Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume says no eligible voter will be left out in the registration of voters in the Isles ahead of next year's elections.

President Karume told reporters at Zanzibar Airport on Saturday evening that the elections would not be held if all eligible Zanzibaris would not be registered.

He was speaking after arriving from Dar es Salaam where earlier in the day he received an honorary doctorate degree from the Hubert Kairuki Memorial University in recognition of his role in the eradication of malaria in Zanzibar.

President Karume said Zanzibar would be reduced into a laughing stock if the elections went ahead despite some Zanzibaris having been denied their democratic right to register as voters.

Mr Karume made the remarks at a time when hundreds of supporters of the opposition Civic United Front in Pemba claim that they have been denied registration because they don't hold Zanzibari residency identity cards.

CUF officials maintain that the authorities are using the exercise to update the permanent voter register to sabotage the party ahead of next year's elections in which Zanzibaris will elect their president and members of the House of Representatives.

The Zanzibar Electoral Commission, on the other hand, has denied the accusation, saying no Zanzibari who has met all conditions has been denied registration.

However, President Karume's promise is likely to prove significant, coming a few days after holding historic talks with CUF secretary-general Seif Shariff Hamad, during which the two men agreed to resolve their longstanding differences.

President Karume made it clear on Saturday that his promise that all eligible Zanzibaris would be registered as voters was not a condition set during his meeting with Mr Seif, hitherto his fiercest critic.

He said his reaching an agreement with Mr Seif to work together for the betterment of the lives of Zanzibaris did not mean that conditions were set during the meeting at State House.

President Karume said he had been praying for peaceful, free and fair elections next year.

"We want both the winners and losers to accept the results�this is possible only if the elections are free and fair," said Mr Karume, who will not seek re-election after serving his second and final five-year term.

In another development, President Karume said he would appoint two CUF members to the House of Representatives once he received their names from the opposition party.

Under an agreement reached several years ago, President Karume is supposed to appoint two CUF members to the House of Representatives, but he has not done so partly because of the party's now-abandoned stance not to recognise him as President of Zanzibar following the disputed elections in 2000 and 2005.

President Karume commended Mr Hamad for his "bold" decision to publicly announce that CUF had decided to recognise his Government.

"Zanzibaris are one people�we should not allow minor things to divide us. Whether one comes from Unguja, Pemba, Tumbatu, Kojani, Fundo and Uzi is irrelevant. The important thing is that all are Zanzibaris," he said.

Meanwhile, CUF's women's wing has apologised to Mr Hamad after he was heckled when he announced that CUF had decided to recognise President Karume.

The wing's deputy executive secretary, Ms Zahra Ali Hamad, said yesterday that it was "regrettable" that Mr Hamad was heckled and shouted down by hundreds of women who attended the rally at Demokrasia grounds earlier this month.

"We apologise for our behaviour that day. We did not understand the message that was being put across�we've now understood, and we are sorry," she said.

She said many CUF women supporters were bewildered when Mr Hamad made the announcement because "they were still thinking of the hardships they have endured under the CCM rule".

Ms Ali said CUF women members were proud to be among the agents of change in Zanzibar, and praised Mr Hamad for his "exemplary" leadership.

Mr Hamad accepted the apology, and said he had forgiven those who heckled him because "they didn't know what my message meant".

"I wasn't angry�I was smiling even when people we screaming here because I knew no one among you is against me," he said.

Mr Hamad said it was not easy to meet President Karume and agree to end hostilities, adding that he was not surprised that some people became hysterical when he made the announcement.

CUF supporters protested angrily after Mr Hamad announced that the party had agreed to recognise President Karume�s government, prompting the public rally called a day after the State House meeting to end in chaos.

Taking the spice out of politics

Taking the spice out of politics

Nov 12th 2009 | ZANZIBAR TOWN

From The Economist print edition

A pact between the island’s rival parties could prevent more violence and unrest

TANZANIANS are proud of the fact that it was their president, Jakaya Kikwete, who won the race to the White House. Ghana may have been Africa’s first sub-Saharan country to host Barack Obama as president, but Mr Kikwete was Africa’s first head of state to be received in Washington, DC, by the new American leader: a striking endorsement of his country. With messy Kenya and chaotic Congo across the border, and lawless Somalia just up the coast to the north, Tanzania is now viewed in the West as a regional haven of calm in a turbulent neighbourhood.

But there has been a big blot on Tanzania’s record over the years: Zanzibar. The last three elections on the offshore islands that comprise the territory—Pemba and Zanzibar itself—have been increasingly violent and disputed. The opposition Civic United Front (CUF) claims that the elections of 1995, 2000 and 2005 were all stolen by the local branch of Tanzania’s ruling Party of the Revolution, better known by its Swahili initials, CCM.

Last time round, independent observers certainly found many examples of fraud by the CCM in a poll that it officially won by a narrow margin. The result prompted riots by CUF supporters; some were injured in battles with the police. So anxiety about next year’s elections on the islands has been rising. Angry and frustrated CUF militants may react even more fiercely if their party loses yet again.

However, a very rare meeting on November 5th between the CCM president of Zanzibar, Amani Karume, and the CUF’s leader on the islands, Seif Shariff Hamad, may calm things down. The pair declared a peace deal of sorts. Mr Hamad acknowledged Mr Karume as Zanzibar’s legitimate president, something the CUF had hitherto resisted in protest against the rigged election of 2005. Mr Karume in turn says that the government will ensure a fair election next year. The idea of a power-sharing government was also mooted.

Details of the pact remain sketchy. Whatever has been agreed, the CUF’s leaders will find hard to sell it to their supporters, many of whom refuse to believe anything the CCM promises. CUF activists argue that the government is already rigging the next election by denying them the opportunity to register for a vote. But two factors are pushing the sides towards reconciliation: the prospect of oil and the spectre of Islamist terrorism.

Zanzibar already enjoys a large degree of political autonomy from the mainland within the union of Tanzania (born of Tanganyika and Zanzibar coming together in 1964, soon after independence). It has its own parliament, president and anthem. The opposition CUF does not demand secession but wants the islanders to run their own economy. Zanzibar, they complain, always gets a worse deal in terms of aid and investment from abroad. The CUF people say that, despite the popularity of Zanzibar’s ritzy hotels, 70% of the islanders live on no more than $1 a day.

But the discovery of oil and gas under the waters around the islands may change that. Nothing has yet been found but there is a lot of drilling. Both parties want Zanzibar to have the lion’s share of profits if oil begins to flow. Indeed, the CCM’s Zanzibar branch, normally loyal to the national leadership, has broken with it to work alongside the CUF in calling for a change to the union’s constitution to ensure that Zanzibar gets a bigger slice of prospective oil profits than it does, for instance, of Tanzania’s foreign aid, less than 5% of which is allocated to the islands.

Both sides are also aware of the threat of Islamist terrorism spreading down the coast from Somalia. American diplomats repeatedly mention it. So far there has been no sign of extremism on Zanzibar, with its proud Muslim heritage, but CUF leaders such as Ismail Jussa, the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, give warning that if Western-style democracy fails again people may look to sharia law and to political Islam as an alternative, “as they have done elsewhere”.

What is Norway oiling in Zanzibar?
By Chambi Chachage

Zanzibar is back on the national and international agenda. Of course it has always been on the agenda. But it’s a long time since it was such a mysterious agenda. For a whole week we have been treated with puzzling news. ‘What are Karume and Seif up to in Zanzibar? queried The Citizen. ‘Z’bar’s Strange Bedfellows’ quipped the Sunday Citizen.

What I found particularly surprising is not “the recent rare talks between Zanzibar’s erstwhile political foes, President Amani Abedi Karume and the opposition Civic United Front leader, Maalim Seif Shariff Hamad” (Sunday Citizen 15 November 2009). Why should I be shocked while I know if nothing, or anything, is not done now Zanzibar will explode? When? 2010!

Then what did I find surprising? Is it the claim that not even the ruling party let alone the presidency knew about the secrecy behind the meeting? Or is it the assertion that our friends in ‘war on terror’ and piracy are behind the new-found unity in Zanzibar? Could it be the oil factor?

Well, what I found intriguing is the energy that our partners in development, Norway, are putting on this agenda. I am particularly startled given the fact that the Ambassador himself has taken a lead on this. He has “been the busiest and most visible over Zanzibar” affirming that “Norway strongly encourages” Karume and Seif’s “efforts to bring lasting peace to Zanzibar” (Ibid).

Surely we know why Tanzanians or Zanzibaris need lasting peace in Zanzibar. But what about Norwegians? Why should they be interested in such peace? For the sake of humanity? Maybe.

The clue to why our friends in development are so interested in our peace is found in what they have been up to in the past week. Tellingly, their Minister for Environment and International Development was “the first international personality to send a congratulatory message, a few hours after news of the meeting emerged” (Ibid). The Ambassador even crossed the ocean to meet the President of Zanzibar. He also met the Minister responsible for Union Matters.

More tellingly the Norwegian Embassy “conducted two separate workshops for Members of the National Assembly, and the Zanzibar House of Representatives to sensitise them on oil exploration and drilling for an impending Bill on the matter” (Ibid). The possibility of oil discovery in Zanzibar has caused a lot of animosity between those who want its revenues to be shared as a Union Matter and those who don’t. Why, then, is Norway so interested in this issue?

The official website of the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation (TPDC) at http://www.tpdc-tz.com list 17 licensed Oil and Gas Exploration Companies that operates in Tanzania. Out of these only one is from Norway. Its name is Statoil Asa. Ironically, it is not operating in Zanzibar. Rather, it is operating on what is refered to as Deep Sea Block Number 2.

On the map this block is close to Mtwara and Lindi. According to this company’s official website at http://www.statoil.com/ its total area is “11,099 square kilometres, and it lies in water depths of between 400 and 3000 metres” off “the coast of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean.” If a Norwegian company is thus far removed from Zanzibar who then is really involved in Zanzibar?

Apparently the company that is operating in Zanzibar/Pemba is a Canadian one. It is known as Antrim Resources among other names. Shell International from Holland is also operating albeit in the Deep Sea Blocks Number 9, 10, 11 and 12 which, in a way, surrounds Zanzibar. As a matter of fact the whole on and off shore of the Indian Ocean in Tanzania is licensed for oil/gas exploration and companies from as far as Australia, Brazil and the United Kingdom are involved.

It is thus quite clear that there is an international scramble for oil and gas in this Eastern board of Tanzania/Africa. This, I contend, is the one of the main reasons why Norway is so interested in what is going on in Zanzibar. As history has taught us Zanzibar has always been a strategic area.

Commenting on this historical legacy, Abdulrahman Mohammed Babu said: “A country like Zanzibar was quite strategic in superpower manoeuvres because of its historic role in influencing events in the region.” This is the Zanzibar that attracted a whole Empire to move its capital from Muscat into it. It’s the Zanzibar that is facing the shaky Middle East. It is a Zanzibar that is a corridor to Somalia, the new zone of piracy. Who wouldn’t want to control such a Zanzibar?

Surely Norway, as a country that has used oil among other resources to develop, wouldn’t want to be a loser in a battle for the soul of Zanzibar. Neither would ‘America’. Nor would Tanzania.

Chambi Chachage

Mr Karume said following the discussion, conflicts should not be entertained any more

Kikwete applauds CUF's new stance on Karume

PRESIDENT Jakaya Kikwete has commended Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume and Civic United Front (CUF) Secretary General, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, for their recent meeting that shed more light in resolution of protracted political tension in the Isles.

The Directorate of Presidential Communication said in a statement yesterday that President Kikwete, specifically hailed CUF for recognising President Karume and his government as legitimate authorities elected into office in October 2005.

The president's remarks comes hardly a week after Mr Hamad and Mr Karume met at the State House in Zanzibar, last Thursday (November 5), where the CUF leader declared his party's new position on the Isles' government.

"This is a major step in the right direction, particularly in the ongoing efforts to resolve protracted political tension and mistrust among Zanzibaris and other Tanzanians in general," the statement sent from Cairo, Egypt, quoted President Kikwete as saying. The president is in Egypt on official tour.

"I profoundly commend the two leaders for their decision that seeks to address interests of the people of Zanzibar and Tanzania in a broader perspective," he added.

President Kikwete has urged Zanzibaris, all Tanzanians and the international community to encourage and support the two leaders in their historic mission to find lasting solutions that had for long bedevilled the Isles.

"The two leaders need to be encouraged in order to step up efforts in bringing about the desired outcome," Mr Kikwete said.

He further urged Tanzanians to ignore all those who undermine and disparage good, patriotic and unselfish efforts being made by the two leaders.

"We hope their efforts will lead to our (Tanzanian) goal...where people live in love, peace, unity and solidarity...and no one has fears of any political retribution," the president stressed.

CCM and CUF have since January 2007, been engaged in dialogue in pursuit of lasting solution to political tension and mistrust among Zanzibaris, particularly supporters of the two rival parties.





ZANZIBAR President Amani Abeid Karume has said his recent talks with the Civic United Front Secretary General, Seif Sharrif Hamad, have opened a new chapter in the Isles.

Mr Karume said following the discussion, conflicts should not be entertained any more and must be replaced by hard work and commitment to develop the islands.

“Zanzibar has a long history of observing peace and stability as inherited from our grandparents. Therefore, there is a strong need to maintain it,” President Karume said in a statement released by the State House here yesterday.

He said that all people including development partners who love to see Zanzibar flourish "will definitely be happy with our efforts to unite Zanzibaris."

President Karume observed this after his meeting with the outgoing South Africa ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Sindiso Mfenyana, who commended President Karume and Mr Hamad for burying their differences, noting that the gesture should be learned by leaders in other African countries in conflicts.

“Putting behind your political differences means political, economic, and social development in the islands. I commend you for the big move to unite the people,” Mfenyana was quoted as saying when he met President Karume at State House yesterday.

President Karume and Mr Hamad opened a new chapter when they met behind closed doors at State House in Zanzibar last Thursday followed by a dramatic move by CUF leadership announcing recognising Mr Karume as president after four years of friction.

Meanwhile, Mr Hamad has received support from other party leaders such as Mr Ismail Jussa for advocating patience and tolerance after party declaration to recognise Karume last Saturday.

The leaders have conducted a series of meetings with leaders at lower levels trying to clear doubts from a section of CUF supporters who at the beginning did not welcome their leader’s decision.

“We need every CUF supporter and Zanzibaris in general to accept our decision of burying our political differences.

President Karume and Hamad are now committed to see that we live together as one family with no conflicts,” said Jussa to the party youths’ wing in Zanzibar yesterday.

On the other hand, Mr Hamad said that they decided that nothing would come out of sabotaging one another and that Zanzibaris now need to work together to save the “people from the suffering they have gone through since the beginning of struggle for independence in late 1950

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CUF RECOGNIZED KARUME IT WAS NATIONAL INTREST FOR ZANZIBAR.

Make leaders' pact work to end standoff
For over a week now, the entire nation's attention has been riveted on Zanzibar, following the rare and highly unexpected meeting between two erstwhile political foes, President Amani Abeid Karume and the Civic United Front leader, Maalim Seif Shariff Hamad.

That Mr Hamad, who has not been seeing eye to eye with the Isles� President, finally agreed to meet with him at State House, is a momentous political development.

For the man, who lost two hotly disputed presidential races to Mr Karume to come forward for a big handshake and go ahead to urge his supporters to recognise his rival, is quite significant. The two men have given hope to a land, which has been bitterly split between the supporters of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi and CUF for nearly 10 years.

The hostilities and animosity between the rival camps has been so deep that some families won�t even come together if one of their members dies. The political standoff, which has seen the country literally split down the middle, has been costly, as development is impossible in such a poisoned atmosphere.

Judging from the stream of goodwill messages from embassies, foreign dignitaries, other local politicians and even public officials, the anxiety over the situation in Zanzibar extends beyond the territory and Tanzania�s border. And it all goes to show that many care about the need to secure the future of Zanzibar.

Bloody clashes have characterized the past elections, with state security personnel being accused of taking sides.

The shooting to death of 45 opposition supporters in 2001, after the hotly disputed general election of 2000 that Mr Hamad accused CCM of rigging in favour of President Karume, was one of the lowest points.

Since then, Zanzibar has remained tense. The latest in the grim trend has been the violence-marred voter registration for next year�s General Election, in which Mr Karume will not be defending the seat, having served his two five-year terms.

Past efforts by various leaders and the international community to bring the rival parties to some sort of agreement or accommodation have largely failed due to deep mistrust and lack of political goodwill.

The first and second peace accord (Mwafaka) talks in 2001, overseen by former President Benjamin Mkapa, produced a lull.

But failure to honour the agreement forced another round of talks, Mwafaka three, when President Jakaya Kikwete succeeded Mr Mkapa in 2005. But this, too, stalled over a year ago over lack of consensus within CCM to honour a negotiated power sharing agreement.

Therefore, with the clock ticking towards 2010, and with rising tension and clashes over voter registration, there is a sigh of relief as Mr Karume and Mr Hamad declared they have abandoned their hard-line positions to chart a new political chapter for the Isles.

However, many, including the ardent supporters of the two men are asking what the terms of the rapprochement are. The unease among CUF members that greeted Mr Hamad�s plea for the recognition of Mr Karume as President, is no doubt due to this void.

It is, therefore, important that both leaders come out openly to let the anxious public know what is entailed in their newfound working relationship. Questions such as the fate of the stalled mwafaka, the Karume succession and Zanzibar's continued role in the Union Government remain the subjects of unending speculation.

However, the public must be wary of any schemes to derail whatever plans may be in the pipeline after a decade of political uncertainty and instability

HAMAD ZANZIBAR NEED PEACE AND STABILTY

Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume should end his silence and shed more light on his agreement with his longtime political rival, Mr Seif Shariff Hamad, a respected commentator said yesterday.

At the same time, the US embassy commended the two leaders for putting their differences aside, and said the gesture should be followed by concrete measures to end the longstanding political stalemate in the isles.

President Karume and Mr Hamad opened a new chapter when they met behind closed doors at State House in Zanzibar last Thursday.

Mr Hamad, who is the secretary-general of the opposition Civic United Front, has since held two rallies in Unguja and Pemba to explain to CUF supporters why he met Mr Karume and his decision to recognise him as the President of Zanzibar.

But apart from a brief statement issued by State House after the meeting, President Karume has not commented on his rare talks with Mr Hamad.

Dr Azaveli Lwaitama of the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) said President Karume should come out of his shell and confirm what Mr Hamad had been saying.

"Karume should now come forward and say something because his meeting with Hamad has been generally well received. Hamad is now in trouble with CUF supporters, and this could be because they have not yet heard from Karume,"he said.

Dr Lwaitama said what the two leaders had done was commendable, but added that more was expected from them if they were to be taken seriously.

He also predicted that a government of national would be formed in Zanzibar before next year�s elections.

Elaborating, Dr Lwaitama said CUF had categorically said that they would not accept anything short of what was agreed during reconciliation talks with CCM.

"We all know that what was agreed in the last muafaka talks is the formation of a unity government in Zanzibar. We have seen CUF turn down numerous efforts to bring them back to the negotiating table.

"Their decision to agree to work with Karume can only mean that their wishes have been granted."

The US embassy welcomed reports that the rivals had agreed to work together to foster peace and harmony as well as understanding and cooperation among all Zanzibaris.

"We have long called for Zanzibar�s leaders to champion peaceful, constructive and fair politics so that no Zanzibari feels permanently excluded from having a voice in government and no Zanzibari need fear political reprisal," the embassy said in a statement.

It also urged the leaders to supplement up their move with concrete measures to establish a healthy political climate in the isles that promotes good governance and economic development for all.

"A first step would be for leaders to instruct their supporters to desist from violence. We share the vision of the two leaders that if Zanzibar can overcome its several decades of bitter political divisions, then the creative, dynamic and entrepreneurial spirit of the Zanzibari people will be unleashed for the benefit of all Zanzibaris."

The embassy further said what was happening in Zanzibar had a great impact to other Tanzanians and all residents of East Africa and beyond.

"Zanzibar has made significant contributions to world culture. It is time for Zanzibaris once again to show the world what they can achieve."

On the other hand, Dr Lwaitama brushed aside fears that the warming up of relations between President Karume and Mr Hamad posed a direct threat to the Union.

He said their decision to agree to work together to safeguard the interests of Zanzibaris did not mean that they had decided to "gang up against the Union".

"The major problem in Zanzibar is the rift between Pemba and Unguja. If they manage to overcome that problem, Zanzibaris would be one people, and this would not in any way threaten the Union," Dr Lwaitama said.

Mr Seif told hundreds of CUF supporters in Pemba on Sunday they had put the interests of Zanzibaris before anything else by agreeing to work together.

"We took time to ponder with Karume where we were heading, and we came to the conclusion that we had fought one another for far too long.

We decided that nothing would come out of sabotaging one another, and that we need to work together to save our people from the suffering they have gone through all these years."

The reception accorded to Mr Hamad at Masota Village in Pemba contrasted sharply with the reaction of a boisterous crowd that jeered and heckled CUF officials when Mr Hamad announced at a public rally in Unguja on Saturday that the party had decided to recognise Mr Karume as the President of Zanzibar.

Mr Hamad and other top officials, including CUF national chairman Ibrahim Lipumba, were forced to cut short their speeches and leave the Kibanda Maiti grounds under tight security.

Mr Hamad told an attentive crowd in Pemba on Sunday that Zanzibaris should trust him and President Karume and expect "better things" from the Union.

He vowed never to turn back despite Saturday�s debacle in Unguja.

Some analysis hold the view that leaders from across the political divide in Zanzibar have joined forces to counter what they see as Tanzania Mainland�s undue influence in the isles.

Sources told The Citizen that the general mood among Zanzibaris had changed since Mr Karume and Mr Hamad met, and that the new partnership should be reflected by debates in the House of Representatives, where CCM and CUF have in recent months taken a common stand on a number of issues

http://www.dw-world.de/popups/popup_single_mediaplayer/0,,4874451_type_audio_struct_11591_contentId_4874526,00.html

What are Karume and Seif up to in Zanzibar?

What are Karume and Seif up to in Zanzibar?
By Ray Naluyaga and Salma Said, Zanzibar

Leaders from across the political divide in Zanzibar have joined forces to counter what they see as Tanzania Mainland's undue influence in the isles, sources within the ruling CCM and opposition CUF told The Citizen yesterday.

The newfound camaraderie between President Amani Abeid Karume of CCM and his longtime political rival, Mr Seif Shariff Hamad of CUF, is said to be the outcome of behind-the-scenes efforts to chart a more independent future for Zanzibar.

More clues emerged yesterday when Mr Hamad addressed a rally in Pemba, where he defended CUF�s decision to recognise President Karume and work with his government to lay the ground for what his close associates described as "the rebirth of Zanzibar".

The reception accorded to Mr Hamad at Masota Village in Pemba, which is a CUF stronghold, contrasted sharply with the reaction of a boisterous crowd that jeered and heckled CUF officials when Mr Hamad announced at a public rally in Unguja on Saturday that the party had decided to recognise Mr Karume as the President of Zanzibar.

Mr Hamad and other top officials, including CUF national chairman Ibrahim Lipumba, were forced to cut short their speeches and leave the Kibanda Maiti grounds under tight security.

Mr Hamad told an attentive crowd in Pemba yesterday that Zanzibaris should trust him and President Karume and expect "better things" from the Union.

He vowed never to turn back despite Saturday�s debacle in Unguja.

In a hint that corroborated what sources told The Citizen, the CUF secretary-general said Zanzibaris would no longer depend on the Mainland to decide their political destiny and for their development.

He said past efforts to find a lasting solution to problems bedevilling the isles failed mainly because they were advanced by "outsiders"and other people "who were either not very keen or who simply ignored the realities on the ground while championing their own interests".

Zanzibari leaders had realised their mistakes and were now ready to find homegrown solution and secure the isles� future, he added.

Mr Hamad said former President Benjamin Mkapa and his successor, President Jakaya Kikwete, had both failed to live up to their promises to break the longstanding political stalemate in Zanzibar.

"We took time to ponder with Karume where we were heading. We came to the conclusion that we had fought one another for far too long.

We decided that nothing would come out of sabotaging one another, and that we need to work together to save our people from the suffering they have gone through all these years."

Sources told The Citizen that the general mood among Zanzibaris had changed since Mr Karume met Mr Hamad in Zanzibar last Thursday, and that the new partnership should be reflected by debates in the House of Representatives, where CCM and CUF have in recent months taken common stands on a number of issues.

Representatives from CCM and CUF have been unanimous that Zanzibar should not share oil revenues with the Mainland should the resource be discovered in the isles.

The Zanzibar legislature also recently decided that the Zanzibari national anthem, and not the Union one, should be played before sessions commence.

CCM and CUF representatives earlier this year assailed Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda when he told Parliament in Dodoma that Zanzibar could not be an independent and sovereign country outside the Union.

It is, however, still not clear what positions the two parties will take ahead of and during next year's Zanzibari presidential election.

President Karume is currently serving his second and final term, and a number of influential CCM members in Zanzibar are already lining up to succeed him. Mr Hamad unsuccessfully vied for the Zanzibar presidency in 1995, 2000 and 2005.

Yesterday, CUF director of foreign affairs and international cooperation Ismail Jussa told The Citizen from Pemba that Zanzibaris stood to benefit from the "painful" reconciliation between President Karume and Mr Hamad.

"Labour is painful to a woman, but in the end, when a new baby is born, everybody is happy. What we have done and are doing will have a happy ending," he said.

Mr Jussa attributed Saturday's near-riot during the rally in Zanzibar to people not being ready to receive such "earth-shaking" news.

"People were not prepared psychologically to receive the news. It�s not that they don't trust Maalim Seif. They trust him, and know that he has never and can never betray them."

Mr Jussa said CUF�s stance not to recognise Mr Karume as the President of Zanzibar was more theoretical than practical because CUF members in the House of Representatives were posing questions to ministers appointed by Mr Karume.

He said the cooperation would transform Zanzibar into the "Dubai of Africa" within a short time.

Respected CUF elder Chema Simai, 72, said the party had done the right thing by recognising Mr Karume, adding that it was the style of delivering the news to CUF supporters that was wrong, sparking Saturday's chaos

Move best for all Zanzibaris

Move best for all Zanzibaris.

A typical dictionary defines leadership as; 'the process of ruling, guiding or inspiring others'. But it was Marian Anderson (1897-1993) who opined that 'Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.'

Marian spent most of her life fighting against racial prejudice whilst gaining recognition as a contralto singer. She was awarded the UN Peace Prize in 1972 in recognition of her leadership and statesmanship.

We are offering this definition to bring into proper context the prevailing situation in Zanzibar following last week’s talks between Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume and his arch-rival opposition Civic United Front (CUF) Secretary General Seif Sharif Hamad.

We join the chorus of many local and international personalities who have applauded what was rightly termed as ground-breaking meeting between the two leaders, because we believe Karume and Seif were motivated to hold the talks by the interests of the people of Zanzibar and not private interests as some people would want us believe.

Zanzibar has never been at peace since the ushering in of the multi-party political dispensation. Many a people have been maimed and killed. Tanzania, renowned as a sanctuary for people running away from tyranny in their own countries, produced its first refugees after the 2000 general elections. All dialogues initiated to resolve the political stand-off have stalled. For how long should this explosive situation be allowed to continue?

We think it was in answering this question that Karume and Seif saw it fit to break the ice and set the pace for continued dialogue to reach an amicable solution to the Isles crisis.

One of the personalities who commended Karume and Seif’s visionary step was the Norwegian Minister for Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim, who described the meeting of the two political leaders as a bold step towards a lasting solution to the long standing political difficulties in Zanzibar.

We are, however, disturbed by the negative reaction of some CUF members and supporters who this weekend attempted to rough up Seif and party national chairman, Prof Ibrahim Lipumba.

The unrelenting CUF supporters accuse Seif and Lipumba of committing an unforgivable sin of recognising Karume as the legitimate President of Zanzibar for what they perceive to be fraudulent 2000 and 2005 elections that put him in the saddle.

While we wish to call on CUF members and supporters to let bygones be bygones and fully rally behind their leaders in their efforts to bring normalcy to the Isles, we commend the move by the CUF top leadership who met at the weekend and announced their unanimous endorsement of the party’s recognition of President Karume’s legitimacy.

For let’s face it. You cannot negotiate with someone you don’t recognise. You cannot dream of a government of national unity if you undermine the authority in power. Intransigent CUF members and supporters should understand that if they do not read well the signs of the time, they will be dealing a terrible blow to efforts to resolve the political turbulence in the Isles at probably more unnecessary cost to life and property and rollback of their own development.

MAALIM SEIF TUIOKOE ZANZIBAR YETU

KATIBU Mkuu wa Chama Cha Wananchi (CUF), Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad amesisitiza msimamo wa chama chake kumtambua Rais wa Zanzibar Amani Abeid Karume licha ya kauli hiyo kupingwa vikali juzi na wanachama wa chama hicho, kisiwani Unguja.
Katika mkutano wake wa hadhara jana uliofanyika kiwanja cha Masota Mkoa wa Kaskazini Pemba, Maalim Seif alisema kabla ya kutokea Mapinduzi na baada ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar ya 1964 kumekuwepo na machafuko na misuguano mikubwa miongoni mwa jamii na kusababisha matatizo kwa wananchi kutoishi kwa amani.
Akiwatoa hofu wananchi hao, waliofika kwa wingi katika kiwanja hicho, kwa lengo la kuja kusikiliza kauli ya Maalim Seif aliyoahidi kuitoa mbele ya wanachama wake baada ya kukutana na Rais Karume wiki hii na aliwaambia wasiwe na wasi wasi kwani chama chake kimepewa baraka zote na baraza kuu ambacho ni chombo kikuu cha maamuzi ya chama.
Alisema wamefikia uamuzi huo, baada ya kuona hali ya kisiasa kuzidi kuwa tete huku baadhi mamia ya wananchi wakikosa amani na kwamba kutokana na hali hiyo, maendeleo hayawezi kupatikana na hivyo wanachama wanapaswa kuondokana na fikra mgando ambazo zimekuwa zikipaliliwa na watu wasioitakia heri Zanzibar.
Aliwataka wananchi wote wa Zanzibar kushikamana na kuwa kitu kimoja kwa lengo la kusogeza maendeleo na kuachana na kugombana.
Kumtambua mheshimiwa Karume tutafungua milango ya makubwa zaidi nakuombeni waheshimiwa msije mkakataa hali inavyokwenda tunahitaji sana kukaa pamoja na kushirikiana kwa ajili ya maslahi ya nchi na watu wetu, leo hii tunatangaza rasmi kuwa tumemtambua Mheshimiwa Amani Abeid Karume sawa sawa, alihoji huku akishangiliwa.
Kauli ya Maalim Seif haikuwashangaza wengi kwa kuwa tayari juzi wananchi wa Unguja walikuwa wameshaisikia katika mkutano uliofanyika Kibanda Maiti Mkoa wa Mjini Magharibi, lakini kauli hiyo ilipingwa vikali na wafuasi wa chama hicho kwa madai ya kuwa CCM na serikali zake hawana ukweli katika mazungumzo hayo.
Juzi Katibu Mkuu huyo alitangaza kumtambua Rais Karume jambo ambalo lilizusha tafrani kubwa uwanjani hapo na kusababisha baadhi ya wafusi wa CUF kuondoka mkutanoni na wengi kulia kama vile wako katika matanga wakisema wamechoshwa kunyanyaswa na uongozi wa Rais Karume na hivyo hakuna haja ya kushirikiana naye.
Kufuatia mazungumzo hayo, watu mbalimbali wameyapokea mazungumzo hayo kwa mitazamo tofauti huku wengine wakipongeza na wengine wakiponda kwa madai kwamba mazungumzo hayo, yamekuwa yakifanywa kila inapokaribia uchaguzi jambo ambalo limewaondoshea imani wananchi.
Maalim aliliambia Mwananchi kwamba amepata silaha kubwa na kuitumia baada ya baraza kuu la uongozi wa CUF kuamua kuondosha kipengele cha kumtambua Rais Karume ili viongozi hao waweze kukaa na kupanga jinsi gani wanaweza kuishi kwa amani na utulivu bila ya kusababisha madhara katika jamii.
Silaha yangu ni baraza kuu la uongozi limekubali mimi na Mheshimiwa Karume kukaa pamoja na kuzungumzia maslahi ya umma wa Zanzibar na hivyo nakuombeni na nyinyi mkubali kwani kukutana kwetu kutafungua mambo makubwa ya kimaendeleo tumeshoshwa na matatizo na misuguano ya kila siku hapa kwetu, alisema huku akishangiliwa ya ndio ndio ndio.
Alisema baada ya kurejeshwa mfumo wa vyama vingi huko nyuma kulikuwa na mivutano hadi watu kuuawa na kila unapokaribia uchaguzi watu wanakufa na kuhujumiana huku wengine wakiwa wakiachwa na madhara makubwa mwilini.
Alisema watu wanaumia na kwamba mwaka 1961, watu 68 waliuawa na kutokea ghasia na kukafanyika uchaguzi ambao haukuleta matokeo mazuri jambo ambalo lilisababisha watu kadhaa kupoteza maisha na vitu kuharibiwa huku wengine wakiwa wamekimbia nchi jirani kutafuta hifadhi.
Wiki hii Katibu Mkuu wa CUF, Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad na Rais wa Zanzibar Amani Abeid Karume walikutana Ikulu Mjini Zanzibar kwa lengo la kusahau tofauti zao za kisiasa na kujenga mahusiano mema kwa maslahi ya wananchi wa Visiwa vya Unguja na Pemba.
Viongozi hao, walifafanua kuwa wananchi wakishirikiana na kujenga nchi kwa pamoja, watapiga hatua kubwa zaidi za maendeleo.
Katika mazungumzo hayo, viongozi hao walihusisha umuhimu wa mchakato wa mazungumzo endelevu baina yao na vyama vyao kwa jumla.

Resolving Zanzibar dispute long overdue

Resolving Zanzibar dispute long overdue
Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume's meeting with
his erstwhile foe, Civic United Front (CUF) Secretary-General
Seif Shariff Hamad, on Thursday, is probably the best
news to have come out of the Isles in the recent past.

The two leaders have not seen eye to eye since the country
reverted to multiparty politics in 1992. Subsequent general elections in 1995, 2000 and 2005, were hotly disputed by CUF, which lost by razor-thin margins.

Since then, there has been intense animosity between the
leaders of the major rival parties, and their members. At times
the rivalry has been so intense that even relatives could not
attend the funerals of those belonging to the opposing party.

In a country that professes to be the beacon of peace and
tranquility in a troubled region, that was pretty bad, to say the
least.

It is against this backdrop that we see the meeting between
Maalim Hamad and President Karume as a positive sign that
could lead to the thawing of the three decades of frosty relations and intermittent violence.

But the gesture should not end there. The two leaders should
also send candid messages to the members of their parties,
preaching reconciliation, harmony, peace and tranquility.
This is because it would be futile for the two leaders to sit
down and sip coffee at the State House, while members of their
parties are still going for one another's jugular.

President Karume and Mr Hamad should not let this golden
opportunity to make amends and open a new chapter for Zanzibar slip through their fingers. A peaceful Zanzibar is a plus for Tanzania, which has distinguished itself as a regional peacemaker.

President Jakaya Kikwete's stature has been somewhat diminished by the simmering conflict in his own backyard. Ending the Zanzibar impasse will be the icing on the cake for a consummate regional leader and diplomat.

What is inside the talk between Hamad and Karume ?

The Civic United Front is today holding a major rally in Zanzibar where Secretary General Seif Shariff Hamad is expected to shed more light into his meeting, on Thursday, with President Amani Abeid Karume.

The opposition party has organised for the rally at Kibanda-Maiti, hot in the heels of the state house meeting with President Karume that signaled a major political turn around for the two rival politicians who had not been Seeing Eye to Eye.

Meanwhile the two leaders yesterday won praise from donors and other leaders who described their meeting as a good starting point for Zanzibar and its people to address challenges that have plagued the political scene in Pemba and Unguja.

Among foreign dignitaries who were the first to send their good will messages were from Britain, Norway and the UNDP.
British High Commissioner Diane Corner said of the meting between Karume and Hamad: "This is positive news. We will continue to monitor developments closely".

In a press statement, Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim said the successful meeting was a positive development.
�I would like to congratulate the two political leaders on this bold step towards a lasting solution to the long standing political difficulties in Zanzibar. I would also like to encourage the parties to continue their dialogue aimed at achieving a successful and sustainable political solution,� the Minister said.

The Norwegian ambassador to Dar es Salaam Jon Lom�y on his side also congratulated President Karume and Hamad. �The Embassy emphasizes the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the longstanding political difficulties in Zanzibar,� said Lomoy.

In another statement, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said while the affair was an internal matter bwteen the two parties, the gesture was a welcome move to encourage open dialogue between political parties.

The CUF official were yesterday upbeat on today�s meeting expected to be presided over by the party�s national chairman Professor Ibrahim Lipumba and other invited dignitaries.

The party�s international relations director Ismail Jusa Ladhu however said it was still early to disclose all that was discussed among the two leaders. He said the two have good plans for Zanzibar even though he was not ready to say some of them.
�President Karume to meet Maalim is very positive, both are crucial stakeholders to end Zanzibar political impasse, we are sure that both of them are serious on solving the matter,� Mr Jusa said ina aphone interview.
Mr Jusa urged international organisations and diplomatic missions to assist Zanzibar end political impasse.
Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) secretary-general Yusuf Makamba whose party had failed to end power sharing talks with CUF said he was not in a position to comment.
Mr Hamad stepped into the Zanzibar State House for the first time in several years after repeatedly turning down previous invitations by both President Karume and his predecessor, Dr Salmin Amour.
It was not immediately clear who initiated the meeting, which was made public after the two leaders had held discussions behind closed doors.

President Karume had in the past resisted attempts to bring him and Mr Hamad together after the CUF official refused to recognise Mr Karume as the Zanzibar President on the grounds that CUF was robbed of victory in both the 2000 and 2005 presidential elections. Mr Hamad was the CUF candidate and Mr Karumes closest rival in both races.

A brief statement from the State House said the talks between President Karume and Mr Hamad centred on the stability and future of Zanzibar, adding that the meeting was very fruitful.

The two men agreed to put aside their differences and work together to serve the people of Zanzibar.

The two leaders agreed on the need to have peace and mutual understanding in Zanzibar. They have agreed to end existing differences between them, which have played a significant role in sowing divisions among Zanzibaris, the statement said.
During their discussions, the leaders reiterated the significance of sustainable dialogue between them and their political parties, the statement said.

The meeting comes at a time when Zanzibar is in the international spotlight over violence that has marred the registration of voters in Pemba. CUF says its members are being prevented from registering by being denied Zanzibar residency identity cards (Zan-IDs).

Donor countries had condemned the violence, and expressed concern over the insecurity that has hampered the registration. The US recently incensed the Zanzibar government by issuing a travel

People need to shun away from party politics that meant to sow seeds of division between the people of Zanzibar?

Seif Shariff Hamad (born 22 October 1943) is a Zanzibari politician. He is currently the secretary-general of the opposition Civic United Front (CUF) party.

Hamad served as Member of the Zanzibar Revolutionery Council and Zanzibar Minister of Education (1977 - 1980), founding member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives (1980 - 1989)and Member of Tanzanian Parliament (1977), Member of the Central Committee and National Executive Committee of Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) - Tanzaniania's Ruling Party (1977 - 1987), Head of the Economic and Planning Department of the CCM (1982 - 1987)and Chief Minister of Zanzibar from 6 February 1984 to 22 January 1988. Soon after his dismissal, he was expelled from the sole legal party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), after disputes with party officials.From May 1989 - November, 1991 he was imprisoned as a prisoner of conscience.

When Tanzania adopted a multiparty political system in 1992, Hamad along with other former CCM members founded the Civic United Front party. The first multiparty elections took place in 1995 and Hamad was the CUF's candidate for the Presidency of Zanzibar. He was narrowly defeated by CCM candidate Salmin Amour, winning 49.76% of the vote to Amour's 50.24%. Observers noted serious irregularities in the poll and the CUF rejected the result as rigged.

Hamad was again defeated in the 2000 elections by CCM candidate Amani Abeid Karume. He received 32.96% of the vote to Karume's 67.04%. Observers condemned the poll citing widespread irregularities and instances of intimidation of opposition supporters by the security forces. The Commonwealth team described the election as a 'shambles'.

On 26 and 27 January, 2001, more than forty five CUF supporters were gunned down by Tanzanian Security Forces in peaceful demonstration called to protest the imposition of Zanzibar Government against the will of the people. This led to the ruling CCM party and opposition CUF to have a dialogue that resulted in signing MUAFAKA II, a peace accord designed to ensure electoral and constitutional reforms. Most of the planned reforms were not implemented by the government, including, crucially, an agreed credible voter's register prior to the elections of October 2005

In the 30 October 2005 election, according to official results, Hamad was again defeated by Amani Abeid Karume, winning 46.07% of the vote to Karume's 53.18%. CUF disputed the election and refused to recognise Karume as President. International observers, such as the Commonwealth, and National Democratic Institute again noted serious concerns with the fairness of the poll, and the United States boycotted the swearing-in ceremony of Abeid Karume as President.

The union elections in December 2005 followed a similar pattern on Zanzibar with CUF carrying Pemba but not Unguja

http://www.zanzinet.org/zanzibar/history/historia.html

HAMAD MEET PRESIDENT KARUME

Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi. Amani Abeid Karume leo amekutana na kufanya mazungumzo na Katibu Mkuu wa Chama cha CUF, Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad huko Ikulu, Mjini Zanzibar.Katika mazungumzo hayo, ambayo hayakutarajiwa na wengi wawili hao yaligusia mambo mbali mbali ikiwa ni pamoja na haja ya kudumisha amani na utulivu nchini na maelewano na mashirikiano kati ya wananchi wote.

Viongozi hao wamezingatia haja ya kuzika tofauti zilizopo ambazo zinachangia kuwatenganisha Wazanzibari na kutoa wito kwa viongozi wa vyama vyote vya siasa na wananchi kwa jumla kushirikiana katika kujenga nchi bila ya kujali itikadi zao za kisiasa.

Viongozi hao walifafanua kuwa wananchi wakishirikiana na kujenga nchi kwa pamoja, watapiga hatua kubwa zaidi za maendeleo.Katika mazungumzo hayo, viongozi hao walihusisha umuhimu wa mchakato wa mazungumzo endelevu baina yao na vyama vyao kwa jumla.

habari 2:
Rais Amani Abeid Karume wa Zanzibar amekutana na Katibu Mkuu wa Chama Cha Wananchi (CUF), Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad na kuzungumzia mpasuko wa kisiasa wa Zanzibar.

Viongozi hao ni mara ya kwanza kukutana Ikulu kuzungumzia hali ya Kisiasa ya Zanzibar tangu kukwama kwa mazungumzo ya kujadili kuundwa kwa serikali ya mseto visiwani hapa.

Taarifa iliyopatikana baada ya mazungumzo hayo, imesema kwamba mazungumzo ya viongozi hao yamepata mafanikio makubwa hasa kuhusiana na suala la kuzingatia umoja na mshikamano kwa wananchi wa Zanzibar.

Taarifa iliyotolewa kwa vyombo vya habari na kitengo cha habari cha Ikulu ilieleza jana kwamba mazungumzo hayo yalizingatia suala la kudumisha amani na utulivu pamoja na kujenga ushirikiano miongoni mwa wananchi.

Aidha viongozi hao wamezingatia suala la kuzika tofauti zilizopo zikiwemo za kisiasa ili kuharakisha maendeleo ya Zanzibar na kujenga umoja wa kitaifa kwa wananchi wa Zanzibar.

Maalim Seif na Karume katika taarifa hiyo wamesema wananchi wa Zanzibar iwapo watachukua hatua za kushirikiana, Zanzibar itapiga hatua kubwa ya maendeleo na kuwataka kuachana na tofauti za kisiasa ambazo zimekuwa zikirudisha nyuma maendeleo ya nchi.

Viongozi hao wamekubaliana kwamba ipo haja ya mazungumzo hayo kuwa endelevu baina ya vyama vya CCM na CUF ili kuhakikisha tofauti za kisiasa zinazikwa na kufungua ukurasa mpya wa kujenga nchi kwa maslahi ya wananchi wake.

Hatua ya viongozi hao kukutana inafungua matarajio mapya ya kumaliza mpasuko wa kisiasa wa Zanzibar baada ya vyama vya CCM na CUF kushindwa kupata mwafaka.

Majadiliano ya mwafaka baina ya CUF na CCM yaliparaganyika kufuatia vikao vya Halmashauri Kuu ya CCM kuagiza kwamba mapendekezo ya kuundwa serikali ya umoja wa kitaifa lazima yapigiwe kura ya maoni na wananchi kabla ya kufikia utekelezaji wake.

Aidha viongozi hao wamekutana huku wafuasi wa CUF wakiwa katika mgomo wa kujitokeza katika zoezi la uandikishaji wa dafatari la kudumu la wapiga kura kwa madai kwamba kuna idadi kubwa ya watu wamenyimwa vitambulisho vya Uzanzibari Mkaazi.

Kadhalika mazungumzo hayo yamekuja ikiwa ni wiki moja tangu Katibu Mkuu wa CUF, Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, amalize ziara ya kutembelea nchi za Ulaya na kurejea kimya kimya kwani hadi sasa hakuna taarifa yoyote iliyotolewa kuhusu ziara yake hiyo.

Naye Kiongozi mwandamaizi wa CUF, Ismaili Jusa, alithibitisha viongozi hao kukutana lakini hakuwa tayari kuzungumzia ajenda zilizotawala katika mazungumzo hayo.

“Tumekubaliana Ikulu ndio watoe taarifa. Mimi sina cha kuzungumza zaidi ya kile kilichoelezwa isipokuwa tumeangalia hali ya kisiasa zaidi katika nchi yetu,” alisema Jusa ambae ni Msaidizi wa Katibu Mkuu wa CUF.

Tangu kuanzishwa kwa mfumo wa vyama vingi, hali ya kisiasa ya Zanzibar imekuwa ikizorota hasa kila baada ya kufanyika uchaguzi kutokana na chama cha CUF kupinga matokeo ya uchaguzi kwa madai ya kutokuwa huru na wa

CCM Publicity Secretary in Zanzibar Vuai Ali Vuai said that by accepting to meet President Karume, Hamad had recognised Karume Presidency?

Salma Said, Zanzibar.

MKUTANO mkubwa ulioandaliwa na Chama Cha Wananchi (CUF) jana umevunjika ghafla baada ya wananchi kukataa kumtambua Rais wa Zanzibar Amani Abeid Karume.

Tafrani hiyo imetokea muda mfupi baada ya Katibu Mkuu wa Chama hicho, Maalim Seif Shariff Hamad kupanda jukwaani na kuelezea mazungumzo ya juzi yaliofanyika Ikulu Mjini Unguja baina yake na Rais wa Zanzibar Amani Abeid Karume.

Katibu Mkuu huyo alilazimika kuteremka jukwaani ambapo kwa mara ya kwanza katika historia ya siasa za Zanzibar Maalim Seif alipigwa hadharani na wanachama wake ambao walikuwa na jazba kubwa.

Maalim Seif amesema kutokana na hali ya kisiasa ilivyo tete hivi sasa hakuna haja ya kuendelea na msimamo wa kutomtambua Rais Karume hivyo uongozi wa baraza kuu umeamua kumtambua ili kuondosha matatizo yanayoweza kujitokeza siku za mbele katika kuelekea uchaguzi mkuu ujao mwakani.

“Leo asubuhi tulikuwa na baraza kuu la uongozi wa CUF na tumeona kuwa kutomtambua Mheshimiwa Karume ni zaidi nadharia kuliko hali halisi kwa kwa wajumbe wa baraza la wawakilishi kwa maana hiyo kwa maslahi ya wazanzibari baraza kuu limeamua kumtambua Mheshimiwa Karume” alisema Maalim Seif. Huku akipigiwa kelele na wananchi hatutaki.

Hata hivyo hali hiyo iliandelea huku wananchi hao wakipiga mayowe ya wakiiema “hatutaki kumtambua karume..hatutaki kumtambua karume yeye na chama chake ni waongo na wanafiki ambapo awali Maalim Seif alikuwa akiigiza maneno hayo lakini hali hiyo ilimshinda na kuwataka wanachama hao wasikilize kinachozungumzwa lakini maneno yake hayakuzaa matunda wanachama hao waliendelea na msimamo wake wa kumtaka Maalim Seif asema kuwa hatumtambui.

Kutokana na fujo na mayowe hayo ya wanachama hao Maalim Seif alifadhaika akiwa ametulia hukua kionesha kushindwa kuunyamazisha umma mkubwa uliokuja kumsikiliza lakini alilazimika kushuka jukwaani ambapo Mwenyekiti wa chama hicho, Professa Ibrahim Lipumba alipanda na kuanza kuwatulia licha ya ya hivyo naye alishindwa kwa kuwa wananchi walikataa kusikia Karume ametambuliwa.

“Maalim Seif ninamfahamu sana tokea yupo chuo kikuu na tokea ameingia katika siasa hajawahi hata siku moja kukisaliti chama nakuombeni nakuombeni tusikilizane huo sio uamuzi wa Maalim Seif huu ni uamuzi wa baraza kuu yeye hawezi kutoa maamuzi yake peke yake hana kawaida hiyo” alisema Lipumba.

Professa Lipumba alijaribu sana kuwatuliza wananchi lakini baadhi yao walitawanyika huku umati mkubwa ukiwa unamsikiliza huku wakitaka utokea kauli nyengine ya chama kwamba Karume hatambuliwi kwa madai kwamba CCM na serikali zote mbili za Muungano na Zanzibar zimekuwa zikisema uongo kwa kutaka kutimiza maslahi yao.

“Sisi tunamheshimu sana Maalim Seif na anachosema chochote tunamuamini lakini kwa hili hatutaki kumtambua Karume kwa sababu CCM na serikali zote mbili zimeshaona zitashindwa uchaguzi hapa ndio wanataka mazungumzo sisi hatutaki kumtambua Karume” alisikika wananchi hao wakisema kwa kelele.

Awali kabla ya kuvunjika kwa mkutano huo Maalim Seif alisema mkutano huo sio wa CUF bali ni wa wazanzibari na kwenda kwake Ikulu juzi ulitokana na uamuzi wa mkutano mkuu wa CUF baada ya kuona hali ya kisiasa inazidi kuwa mbaya lakini walikuwa wakijaribu kusubiri mazingira mazuri ya kisiasa ndipo yafanyike mazungumzo.

“Tulikuwa na mazungumzo na Mheshimiwa Karume naomba mnisikilize vizuri sana hii ni nchi yetu ya Zanzibar kwa zaidi ya karne imekuwa katika misukosuko na huku nyuma wazee wetu wanatwambia walikuwa walikuwa wakiishi vizuri lakini sasa tumekuwa tunaishi roho juu hasa kukikaribia chaguzi” alisema Maalim Seif huku wananchi wakiwa kimya sana.

Alisema baada ya kurejeshwa mfumo wa vyama vingi huko nyuma kulikuwa na mivutano hadi watu kuuawa na kila kukikaribia uchaguzi watu wanakufa, watu wanaumia na enzi zile za siasa za 1961 watu 68 waliuawa na kutokea ghasia na kukafanyika uchaguzi ambao haukuleta matokeo mazuri na jambo ambalo lilisababisha watu kadhaa kupoteza maisha na vitu kuharibiwa.

Alisema kwamba licha ya juhudi za hapa na pale na mataifa ya nje kuingilia hali hiyo haijatengemaa hasa kwa kuwa mazungumzo hayo yote huwa yanafanywa na watu wan je lakini watu wa ndani huwa hawashirikishi bali huambiwa tu lakini sasa watu wenywe wameamua kukaa pamoja na kujadiliana kuweka hali ya usalama nchini.

“Baada ya kuona haya yaliotokea yameshatokea na juzi tulipokutana ikulu tumeulizana hali hii itaendelea hadi lini kuuawa wenyewe kwa wenyewe kudhuriana kwani tumeshapigana vya kutosha tumeshagombana vya kutosha lakini sasa tumesema basi tunataka kuijenga nchi yetu kwa pamoja” alisema Maalim Seif.

Akizungumzia suala hilo Maalim Seif alisema kwa kuogopa dhima mbele ya Mwenyeenzi Mungu wameamua kukaa pamoja na kuleta suluhu ya kudumu hapa Zanzibar kwa kuwa wananchi wamekuwa wakiumia kila ifikapo uchaguzi wamekuwa wakipigwa na kuonewa bila ya kiasi.

“Sisi viongozi wenu mimi na mheshimiwa karume tumekaa na kukubaliana kwamba hali hii itaendelea mpaka lini jamani? tumeona tunadhani njia tunayopita siyo tumeona kwamba tunadhima kubwa mbele ya Mwenyeenzi Mungu na tutakuja kuulizwa kwa kuwaadhibu wazanzibari” alisema Maalim Seif huku akipigiwa makofi kabla kauli iliyowaparaganya wananchi hao haijatolewa.

Hata hivyo alisema hakuna kitu kisichowezekana hasa kwa kuwa kauli za viongozi wa CCM bara walikwishasema suala hilo linaweza kumalizwa na wenyewe wananzibari hivyo hakuna haja ya kuendelea na malumbano yasiokuwa na tija kwa jamii na kuwataka watu wote kukubaliana kukaa pamoja na kuijenga nchi yao.

Juzi Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad na Rais wa Zanzibar Amani Abeid Karume walikutana Ikulu Mjini Zanzibar kwa lengo la kusahau tofauti zao za kisiasa na kujenga mahusiano mema kwa maslahi ya wananchi wote wa Visiwa vya Unguja na Pemba.

Katika mazungumzo hayo ambayo yalichukua takribani sasa mbili wawili hao yaligusia mambo mbali mbali ikiwa ni pamoja na haja ya kudumisha amani na utulivu nchini na maelewano na mashirikiano kati ya wananchi wote.

Viongozi hao wamezingatia haja ya kuzika tofauti zilizopo ambazo zinachangia kuwatenganisha Wazanzibari na kutoa wito kwa viongozi wa vyama vyote vya siasa na wananchi kwa jumla kushirikiana katika kujenga nchi bila ya kujali itikadi zao za kisiasa.
Viongozi hao walifafanua kuwa wananchi wakishirikiana na kujenga nchi kwa pamoja, watapiga hatua kubwa zaidi za maendeleo.
Katika mazungumzo hayo, viongozi hao walihusisha umuhimu wa mchakato wa mazungumzo endelevu baina yao na vyama vyao kwa jumla.

HAMAD MEET PRESIDENT KARUME

The Civic United Front is today holding a major rally in Zanzibar where Secretary General Seif Shariff Hamad is expected to shed more light into his meeting, on Thursday, with President Amani Abeid Karume.

The opposition party has organised for the rally at Kibanda-Maiti, hot in the heels of the state house meeting with President Karume that signaled a major political turn around for the two rival politicians who had not been Seeing Eye to Eye.

Meanwhile the two leaders yesterday won praise from donors and other leaders who described their meeting as a good starting point for Zanzibar and its people to address challenges that have plagued the political scene in Pemba and Unguja.

Among foreign dignitaries who were the first to send their good will messages were from Britain, Norway and the UNDP.
British High Commissioner Diane Corner said of the meting between Karume and Hamad: "This is positive news. We will continue to monitor developments closely".

In a press statement, Norwegian Minister of the Environment and International Development, Erik Solheim said the successful meeting was a positive development.
I would like to congratulate the two political leaders on this bold step towards a lasting solution to the long standing political difficulties in Zanzibar. I would also like to encourage the parties to continue their dialogue aimed at achieving a successful and sustainable political solution, the Minister said.

The Norwegian ambassador to Dar es Salaam Jon Lomy on his side also congratulated President Karume and Hamad. The Embassy emphasizes the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the longstanding political difficulties in Zanzibar,said Lomoy.

In another statement, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) said while the affair was an internal matter bwteen the two parties, the gesture was a welcome move to encourage open dialogue between political parties.

The CUF official were yesterday upbeat on todays meeting expected to be presided over by the partys national chairman Professor Ibrahim Lipumba and other invited dignitaries.

The partys international relations director Ismail Jusa Ladhu however said it was still early to disclose all that was discussed among the two leaders. He said the two have good plans for Zanzibar even though he was not ready to say some of them.
President Karume to meet Maalim is very positive, both are crucial stakeholders to end Zanzibar political impasse, we are sure that both of them are serious on solving the matter, Mr Jusa said ina aphone interview.
Mr Jusa urged international organisations and diplomatic missions to assist Zanzibar end political impasse.
Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) secretary-general Yusuf Makamba whose party had failed to end power sharing talks with CUF said he was not in a position to comment.
Mr Hamad stepped into the Zanzibar State House for the first time in several years after repeatedly turning down previous invitations by both President Karume and his predecessor, Dr Salmin Amour.
It was not immediately clear who initiated the meeting, which was made public after the two leaders had held discussions behind closed doors.

President Karume had in the past resisted attempts to bring him and Mr Hamad together after the CUF official refused to recognise Mr Karume as the Zanzibar President on the grounds that CUF was robbed of victory in both the 2000 and 2005 presidential elections. Mr Hamad was the CUF candidate and Mr Karumes closest rival in both races.

A brief statement from the State House said the talks between President Karume and Mr Hamad centred on the stability and future of Zanzibar, adding that the meeting was very fruitful.

The two men agreed to put aside their differences and work together to serve the people of Zanzibar.

The two leaders agreed on the need to have peace and mutual understanding in Zanzibar. They have agreed to end existing differences between them, which have played a significant role in sowing divisions among Zanzibaris, the statement said.
During their discussions, the leaders reiterated the significance of sustainable dialogue between them and their political parties, the statement said.

The meeting comes at a time when Zanzibar is in the international spotlight over violence that has marred the registration of voters in Pemba. CUF says its members are being prevented from registering by being denied Zanzibar residency identity cards (Zan-IDs).

Donor countries had condemned the violence, and expressed concern over the insecurity that has hampered the registration. The US recently incensed the Zanzibar government by issuing a travel advisory cautioning its citizens against visiting the isles.

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