Zanzibar Stone town Security is in Fiasco ? By Ally Saleh Zanzibar

The security situation of the Stone Town is at its lowest ebb. Never has there been such a time and events that are too grotesque to write their details on attacks against people, especially foreigners. It is shocking below belief.The recent attack and robbery against two Cuban female doctors has triggered a red flag which was any how already on the alert but the authorities are too busy to notice it. Probably a shout from the friendly embassy had awoken some from a slumber. The Stone Town is the navel of Zanzibar and it can be safely said it is the corner stone of Zanzibar administration and economy. When Stone Town sneezes the whole of Zanzibar would be coughing.

There is no need to over emphasize the need to ensure that the security of the Stone Town is so paramount to Zanzibar that nothing should be left unturned to ensure and re ensure it. It is so vital that the President should be aware what is happening here.

Not only because it is the seat of his government but also it is vital to tourism. Eight out of nine tourists who come to Zanzibar will find their way into the historic Stone Town which is a World Heritage site and hence its protection and growth and sustainability must be beyond any doubt. There is a particular English woman, who declined to be named in this article who has collected all the sad stories on attacks made against foreigners and written to all the authorities in Zanzibar arguing steps be taken, but to avail so far.

We do acknowledge efforts being taken by the Police as well as the neighbourhood watch groups but we are of the opinion that the efforts are not scientific and realistic. Normally, people involved in criminality have a pattern and certain connection and we believe if efforts are taken this could be solved. How can the same style of committing crime by someone on the motorbike or a van be applied time and again without being traced is beyond belief. With all the experience within the Police Force and record of handling crime, this should not be hard. The stories are sending fear to potential visitors and some naturally would prefer to cancel their schedules and choose to go somewhere where their security can be better guaranteed.

But if this was consistent many even if they come would prefer to stay indoors and thus fail to spend their monies in the shops, galleries and restaurants and so hurt the local economy already pressed for foreign cash. We urge the authorities to give the issue of security of the Stone Town highest priority and should certainly involve the Stone Towners themselves. If we do not have enough human resource I am sure those in tourism business would be ready to offer their support provided the initiative is done in good faith.

I know this was tried before but stuck because there was lack of linkages and coordination so much that the trust and support that should have been provided was not forthcoming and hence it was hard to move ahead. Let me add that it is not only the foreigners who are targeted but locals as well.

There are many cases of house breaking like there were never before and occasionally firearms are known to have been involved. It is time to make a resolve for the New Year in unison that we want our town to be safe for every one young and old, local and foreigners alike. Zanzibar wants to continue to be a crucible of culture and at the same time maintaining the old saying that “Zanzibar is good, everyone is welcomed” and it sounds sweet in Kiswahili, Zanzibar ni Njema atakae aje.