Zanzibar City– Zanzibar has commemorated the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade with a national ceremony at the historic Anglican Cathedral in Mkunazini, a site built atop the island’s former slave market.
The event, marking the peak of the annual remembrance, was officiated by the First Vice President of Zanzibar, Othman Masoud Othman, who represented President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the president, Othman reflected on the enduring pain of Zanzibar’s role in the slave trade and the long struggle for justice and freedom that followed.
He described the commemoration as a solemn opportunity to honour the victims and reinforce a shared national commitment to unity, peace, and sustainable development.
“This commemoration invites us to remember a difficult chapter in our history, but also to draw strength from it to unite as a people and face the challenges of today, including poverty and inequality,” said President Mwinyi in the address.
The president also urged Zanzibaris to preserve their history and cultural heritage, calling it “a pillar for future generations and a foundation for social cohesion.”
The event brought together political leaders, religious figures, historians, researchers, and members of the public.
It underscored Zanzibar’s complex past as a major hub in the East African slave trade, while highlighting the island’s ongoing transformation into a symbol of peace and cultural preservation.
Speaking at the same event, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Tanzania and Bishop of the Zanzibar Diocese, the Rt Rev.
Dr. Maimbo Fabian Mndolwa, praised the growing partnership between the church and the government. He called the collaboration a “new chapter” in inter-institutional cooperation aimed at safeguarding Zanzibar’s UNESCO-recognized heritage.
“This place is not just a historical landmark it is a global reminder of human resilience and the need to continue the fight against all forms of modern oppression,” Bishop Mndolwa said.
The Anglican Cathedral, built in 1879 shortly after the abolition of slavery in Zanzibar, stands today as a key historical site and a symbol of reconciliation and hope.