ACT-Wazalendo National Chairperson, Othman Masoud Othman, has called on religious leaders to take an active role in advocating for justice, peace, and stability, describing them as the true pillars of sustainable national development.
Speaking in Zanzibar on August 28, 2025, Othman, who also serves as the First Vice President of Zanzibar, said the duty of religious leaders goes beyond the pulpit, noting that their voices carry significant influence in shaping the moral and political direction of society.
He made the remarks during a meeting with Bishop Augustine Shao of the Catholic Diocese of Zanzibar at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Shangani, where he also presented a special report on the current political situation and the role of ACT-Wazalendo in promoting lasting peace ahead of the October General Election.
“Religious leaders are symbols of wisdom, unity, and true peace, especially in Zanzibar. Their voices can be heard by those in authority, even when citizens’ cries are ignored. At this moment, their intervention is necessary because the country faces many challenges that raise uncertainty as we move closer to the elections,” Othman said.
He reiterated that ACT-Wazalendo has consistently pushed for lasting peace across Zanzibar and Tanzania at large, citing the party’s decision to support the continuation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) despite the painful experiences of the 2020 General Election.
“The GNU was created to place the country on a path of reconciliation and cooperation, reducing unnecessary political divisions within the Isles,” he explained.
However, Othman criticized what he described as silence and inaction by the current authorities over key commitments, including the absence of early voting, failure to form an independent commission to investigate the killings of civilians during the 2020 election, denial of Zanzibar identity cards to eligible citizens, and lack of efforts to restore public trust in a free and fair electoral process.
“Our goal is not to pursue positions of power but to ensure true and lasting peace that will anchor development and stability,” he said.
ACT-Wazalendo Deputy Chairperson in Zanzibar, Mr. Ismail Jussa, echoed the call, stressing that justice remains the foundation of peace and progress.
“It is not right for peace committees to intervene only after crises occur. They should act now by speaking openly against actions that threaten stability,” he noted.
For his part, Bishop Shao underscored that true peace can only exist when every person’s rights are respected.
“The Government of National Unity has been a gateway to peace and stability, while also boosting Zanzibar’s economy through tourism. Without justice and peace, what remains is hidden fear,” he said.
The dialogue is part of ACT-Wazalendo’s ongoing engagement with religious leaders to discuss the political climate and the party’s position in the search for sustainable peace.
Othman, who is also the party’s presidential candidate for Zanzibar in the October election, was accompanied by senior party officials during the meeting.
