Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi has said the political reconciliation agreement signed between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and opposition ACT-Wazalendo marks a decisive step towards implementing a Government of National Unity (GNU), describing it as a milestone in securing lasting peace, stability and development for the islands.
The agreement, signed at the State House in Zanzibar on Thursday, commits the two parties to a roadmap for implementing the reconciliation process following the 2025 General Election. It is aimed at rebuilding political trust after years of divisions that have periodically disrupted Zanzibar's political landscape.
Speaking after witnessing the signing of the Joint Declaration and the accompanying implementation agenda, Dr Mwinyi said the accord reflected the determination of Zanzibar's political leadership to resolve differences through dialogue while placing the interests of citizens ahead of partisan politics.
"The agreement demonstrates the political will of our leaders to continue engaging in constructive dialogue, strengthen mutual trust and safeguard the broader interests of Zanzibar," he said.
He said reconciliation should be viewed not simply as a political settlement but as an opportunity to strengthen governance institutions, accountability, justice and social cohesion, creating conditions for sustainable economic and social development.
Dr Mwinyi assured Zanzibaris that both the government and political leaders remained committed to ensuring the process succeeds, adding that maintaining peace and unity would be essential for protecting development gains and attracting future investment.
He called on political parties, religious leaders, civil society organisations and the public to actively support the reconciliation process by promoting dialogue, tolerance and mutual respect.
The President also urged leaders to continue educating the public on the importance of reconciliation, saying broad public participation would be critical to consolidating democracy, peace and national unity.
The Joint Declaration was presented by Chief Secretary and Secretary to the Revolutionary Council Mansura Mosi Kassim, who also serves as Secretary of the Reconciliation Committee.
It was followed by the signing of an implementation roadmap by CCM Zanzibar Deputy Secretary-General Mohamed Said Dimwa and ACT-Wazalendo Deputy Secretary-General Omar Ali Shehe.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan welcomed the agreement, saying it opened a new chapter in strengthening unity and political stability in Zanzibar.
She described the reconciliation as a sign of political maturity and a shared commitment among leaders to create an environment that supports peaceful coexistence, cooperation and sustainable development in both Zanzibar and Tanzania.
ACT-Wazalendo national chairperson and Zanzibar First Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman praised Dr Mwinyi for initiating the process, saying the agreement offered a credible path towards addressing Zanzibar's longstanding political challenges through dialogue rather than confrontation.
The signing ceremony brought together Vice-President Emmanuel John Nchimbi, former Zanzibar Presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohamed Shein, Zanzibar Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, political party leaders, religious leaders, senior government officials, diplomats, representatives of international organisations and members of the public.
The agreement marks one of the most significant political understandings reached in Zanzibar in recent years and is expected to guide efforts towards implementing a Government of National Unity while reinforcing the islands' long-standing pursuit of peace, inclusive governance and national cohesion.
