Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Hussein Ali Hassan Mwinyi has reiterated his call on Zanzibaris at all levels to maintain and promote peace, unity, stability, and political reconciliation for Zanzibar to move forward smoothly.
He made the call during national prayers held at the central Masjid (Mosque) Mushawwar, Miembeshauri Street, in Zanzibar City, where both serving and retired leaders joined residents to pray for Zanzibar and its leaders led by Dr Mwinyi.
The prayer was another opportunity for top leaders forming the Zanzibar Government of National Unity (GNU) to meet as they continued to drum for reconciliation and unity as major aspects to enable Zanzibar achieve its development goals.
First Vice President Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, Second Vice President Mr Hemed Suleiman Abdalla, retired Presidents- Amani Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein, Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi (retired second vice president), Sheikh Alhad Mussa Salum from Dar es Salaam and other serving leaders attended the prayer.
“I am impressed and more motivated to lead Zanzibar with the participation of ACTWazalendo as the leading opposition party. Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad’s inclusion is important,” Dr Mwinyi told the gathering, adding that Zanzibar needs unity and reconciliation to bury hate which emerged during and after general elections.
Maalim Seif Hamad also reiterated his commitment to work with President Mwinyi, saying “I only accepted inclusion into the government for national interest, not for personal gains as reported by some people who fail to think critically. We believe we will not let each side down.”
State Minister (President’s Office)- Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance, Mr Haroun Ali Suleiman thanked the Mufti office for organising the national prayer, saying “Our president needs our support in different ways, including prayers to serve the people better.”
Secretary- Mufti Office, Sheikh Khalid Mfaume told the gathering “The prayer was specific, asking God to protect our leaders led by Dr Mwinyi, to give them wisdom to serve us better. Let us keep praying for all our leaders in Tanzania.”
Meanwhile, President Mwinyi yesterday met a delegation from the Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG), commending them for continuing to pray and promote peace and national unity during the postelection period.
The delegation led by Bishop Barnanas Weston Mtokambali and accompanied by the church leader in Zanzibar, Bishop Dikson Kaganga paid a courtesy call on Dr Mwiny at the State House, where they also delivered a message of congratulation to him for winning the October 28, 2020 general elections.
According to a press release from the State House, Dr Mwinyi recognised TAG’s participation in national prayers and campaign for unity before, during, and after the elections which ended peacefully.
Dr Hussein also commended Dr Barnanas Weston Mtokambali for his good work in leading TAG, which is one of 150 TAG churches globally. Mtokambali gave a historical background of the church.
Dr Mtokambali also praised Dr Mwinyi for being fair to religions in the Islands, saying that he has already proved that he is the president of all people, particularly after his speeches delivered at different occasions since taking up the position.
“We also thank you for your appointments, which include a TAG follower, Ms Anna Athanas Paul, whom you appointed Member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives,” Dr Mtokambali said, adding that TAG is fully involved in community work, supporting construction of boreholes, improving education, and health.
