Zanzibar’s President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has warned that the government will take firm legal action against public leaders and officials who fail to submit their ethics declaration forms on time.
Speaking during the celebrations of Zanzibar’s Ethics and Human Rights Day at Dimani Conference Hall in Mjini Magharibi Region today, Dr. Mwinyi stressed that submitting these forms is not optional.
According to the law, all leaders and public servants must complete their declarations by December 30, 2025.
“Compliance with ethical standards is not a choice; it is a legal and moral duty for every leader and public servant,” Dr. Mwinyi said.
The President highlighted a report from the Public Leaders Ethics Commission showing that, out of 2,750 leaders required by law, only 530 about 19 percent have submitted their forms so far. He warned that the government would not hesitate to hold accountable those who fail to meet this obligation.
In addition to this, Dr. Mwinyi announced that the government is preparing to launch a Leadership Performance Measurement System.
This system will track and improve leaders’ efficiency, accountability, and service delivery, ensuring that public institutions operate at their best for the benefit of citizens.
On the fight against corruption and economic sabotage, Dr. Mwinyi said the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA) has acted on 524 reports so far.
Between January and October 2025, ZAECA recovered over TZS 6.4 billion and USD 89,371 for the government, and returned TZS 1.14 billion and USD 4,999 to citizens.
“Tanzania, including Zanzibar, continues to make major strides in implementing international human rights standards and anti-corruption commitments,” the President said, highlighting the country’s adherence to UN goals and international conventions.
Dr. Mwinyi also called on leaders of government institutions to use media platforms to keep citizens informed about government programs and national development.
He urged citizens, media, civil society, and public institutions to work together to strengthen good governance, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts.
He further praised the Public Leaders Ethics Commission for addressing complaints from citizens regarding ethical violations by leaders. Out of 28 complaints received, eight have already been resolved.
President Mwinyi’s remarks come at a time when the government is intensifying efforts to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership across Zanzibar’s public sector a move that he says is critical to building citizens’ trust and improving service delivery.