Zanzibar’s First VP calls for genuine commitment to national peace

Unguja. Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, has called for a deeper, more principled approach to national peacebuilding—one rooted in genuine faith, justice, and respect for human dignity, rather than political expediency.

Speaking during a meeting with the Zanzibar Religious Leaders’ Committee for Peace and Stability at his Migombani office in Urban West Region, Mr Othman said sustainable peace cannot be achieved without fairness and accountability, especially in the lead-up to national elections.

“You cannot expect peace in a football match if the referee is biased,” he said.

“Similarly, a peaceful election requires fairness and integrity. Peace and justice must go hand in hand,” added Mr Othman.

He urged both state institutions and political actors to uphold democratic values and to ensure inclusive participation in national processes.

Referring to the late Seif Sharif Hamad, a key figure in Zanzibar’s political history and the party’s founding member, Mr Othman noted that the long-standing commitment to peace must not be abandoned, even in challenging circumstances.

He also expressed concern over reports that more than 21,000 eligible Zanzibaris had allegedly been denied Resident Identification Cards, while some individuals without proper eligibility had been issued the documents without scrutiny.

Despite these challenges, Mr Othman commended the committee’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and pledged his support for further collaboration.

In response, Zanzibar’s Chief Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi, who chairs the committee, thanked the Vice President for his continued support and affirmed the committee’s commitment to implementing the recommendations and insights shared during the meeting.

He also offered prayers for Mr Othman as the country approaches the General Election.

The Mufti formally presented the Vice President with a copy of the committee’s latest publication: “Guidelines for Religious Leaders on Elections.”

The guide aims to assist clerics in promoting peace and responsible civic engagement.

Committee members, including Sheikh Thabit Nuuman Jongo and Bishop Kaganda, shared reflections on the impact of past electoral crises in Zanzibar—particularly those in 2001, 2002, and 2004—which they said had left lasting scars on many families, especially women, children, and the elderly.

Sheikh Khalid Ali Mfaume, the executive secretary at the Office of the Chief Mufti, outlined the committee’s broader mission to consult with key institutions across the country.

He noted that the group had already met with the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) to distribute their peacebuilding guide and revisit the foundational history of the committee.

The session concluded with a prayer led by Sheikh Abdulla Talib Abdullah, Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Waqf and Trust Commission, and was attended by representatives from various religious institutions, including Deputy Chief Kadhi Sheikh Othman Choum.