AfricaPress-Tanzania: ZANZIBAR has took a huge step towards healing the political divide after President Hussein Mwinyi swore-in opposition ACT-Wazalendo’s Seif Sharif Hamad as First Vice President, officially inaugurating the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Administering the historic oath, President Miwnyi reminded Zanzibaris the importance of safeguarding national unity, peace and stability, saying they were prerequisites for the country’s development.
“We are now looking forward to a new phase after Maalim Seif and his party ACT-Wazalendo agreed to work with my government. Let us not talk about the past,” said Dr Mwinyi.
“If we continue reminding ourselves about the past emotionally, we can never heal the hatred. Let bygones be bygones, we should focus on our unity.”
Dr Mwinyi said it was time to concentrate on nation building, reaffirming his commitment to achieving that.
“I am happy that Maalim Seif has promised the same. This new relation should be top-down because it is important for other leaders and also supporters to implement.”
The swearing-in event lasted about fifteen minutes and was attended by leaders from ACTWazalendo led by Zitto Kabwe and from CCM led by Deputy Secretary General Dr Abdalla Juma Mabodi.
President Mwinyi said the decision to revive the Government of National Unity (GNU) was constitutional and received the blessings of his party’s na tional chairman President John Magufuli, and deputy chairman, former Zanzibar President Dr Ali Mohamed Shein.
He assured Zanzibaris that he will implement, without hesitation all what is in his jurisdiction of powers to safeguard the government of national unity, as he promised when he took an oath of office of the President of Zanzibar on November 2, this year.
He said his commitment is reflected in his decision to appoint two Members of the Zanzibar House of Representatives from ACT-Wazalendo.
Those nominated by the President are Ahmed Nassor Mazrui and Omar Said Shaaban.
“I have to consult with the first vice president to fill the remaining vacant positions, along with how best we can run our government,” said Dr Mwinyi, who insisted reconciliation was key to building the government of national unity.
Dr Mwinyi thanked Mr Hamad, saying true unity and reconciliation are based on three things: commitment, tolerance and trust.
For his side, Mr Hamad was grateful to his party after nominating him for the position, and vowed to work closely with the new Zanzibar President to bring the much-needed prosperity to citizens.
“I was reluctant to accept my party’s nomination because I thought that this position needed a younger and energetic person. I thought I should rest and give opportunity to a young person, but members within ACT-Wazalendo insisted that I should carry on since I am the one who initiated GNU with retired President Amani Karume.”
He said he was convinced that Dr Hussein Mwinyi is a person with whom they can work with to change Zanzibar for the benefit of the majority Zanzibar.
“Your plans, your promises, and your conduct so far since resuming power made ACT-Wazalendo reach to join the government of GNU. We are convinced with you as a committed leader to move Zanzibar forward,” Mr Hamad said as he emphasised that maintaining peace and stability in the country is important.
“We join you not because of positions, but the interest of the county,” he stated and appealed to the people of Zanzibar, including leaders at all levels to refrain from political hatred and that he will collaborate with each to ensure Zanzibaris enjoy the fruit of political reconciliation.
Second vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdalla, religious leaders, security and defense senior officers, and ministers were among the invited guests who witnessed the First Vice President take oath of office yesterday at the state House.
