Prof. Issa Shivji ana haya ya kusema juu Maalim Seif na Rais Karume

Barua ya wazi kwa Mheshimiwa Rais Karume na Maalim Seif:

Ninawaaandikia barua hiyo ya wazi kwa sababu nimeguswa kwa karibu sana na jinsi mijadala kufuatia mkutano wenu inavyoendelea na inavyoendelezwa. Mijadala hii imepotoshwa, ama kwa kutokuelewa au kwa makusudi. Kwa maoni yangu, swali la msingi kabisa katika hali ya Zanzibar leo ni: Je, uchaguzi mwaka huu, bila kutanguliwa na mabadiliko katika hali ya kisiasa ya Zanzibar, utakuwa wa amani, haki na huru? Na nini ifanyike ili kujenga mazingira yatakayowezesha uchaguzi wa amani, haki na huru? Nitafupisha chimbuko la matatizo ya kisiasa ya Zanzibar katika vifungu vitatu:

Jamii ya Zanzibar kisiasa imegawanyika kati-kati, yaani ‘it is split in the middle’. Na jambo hilo limedhihirishwa katika takriban kila uchaguzi.

Kwa hivyo, hakuna mazingira ya ushindani katika Zanzibar; badala yake kuna mazingira ya uhasama. Katika mazingira ya uhasama, haiwezekani kabisa kuwa na siasa za kishindani, ambayo ni kiini cha mfumo wa vyama vingi.

Jitihada zote zilizochukuliwa, pamoja na miafaka miwili, hazikuzaa matunda kwa sababu mbalimbali, ambazo sinahaja kuzichambua katika barua hii. Isipokuwa sinabudi niweke wazi kwamba, kwa maoni yangu, sababu kuu ya jitihada hizi kutokuzaa matunda ni wanansiasa kuweka maslahi yao ya muda mfupi mbele ya maslahi ya taifa/jamii.
Kwa mara ya kwanza, katika kipindi cha karibu miongo miwili, maridhiano kati ya viongozi wakuu wa CCM na CUF wa Zanzibar, na sio wengine (na hili lazima lisisitizwe) imetoa kamatumaini kadogo ka uwezekano – sio uhakika – wa kutatua matatizo ya Zanzibar. Kinachotakiwa, tena bila kupoteza muda, ni kuiimarisha hatua hii iliyochukuliwa na kujenga juu yake. Na hili ifanyike kabla mijadala potofu inayoendelea haijawa sugu na kuwapotoshea malengo wananchi, hususun lengo la kuweka msingi wa amani.

Naposema mijadala potofu ninamaanisha hoja kama zifuatazo:

Karume asiongezewe muda wala kipindi kingine cha urais. Hii ni kinyume cha katiba ya nchi na katiba/sera ya CCM.

Katiba isichezewe kwa kubadilisha, badilisha.

Yaliyoanzishwa na Karume, yanaweza kuendelezwa na mrithi wake.

Huwezi kuwa na serikali ya umoja wa kimataifa bila ridhaa ya wananchi, kwa maana ya bila kuwa na kura za maoni.
Kwa hivyo, ifanyike nini:

Kama sote tunafahamu kwamba uchaguzi ujao hauwezi kufanyika katika hali ya uhasama tuliyanayo, na hali hiyo haiwezikubadilika au kubadilishwa katika muda uliobaki, basi ni wazi kwamba uchaguzi usogezwe.

Madhumuni ya kusogeza uchaguzi ni kutoa muda wa kutosha wa kuchukua hatua za awali lakini za lazima kujenga mazingira yatakayowezesha uchaguzi wa amani, haki na huru.

Kwa hivyo, kinachohitajika ni kipindi cha mpito (tuseme kama miaka miwili) kutekeleza hatua maalum, yaliyoainishwa na kukubaliwa kisheria. Kipindi hiki ni cha mpito (transitional period) kati ya mazingira ya uhasama tuliyonayo, na mazingira ya ushindani, tunayotaka.

Hatua gani ambazo ni muhimu na zinatakiwa kuzichukuliwa:

Kuunda serikali ya umoja wa kimataifa, (sio serikali ya mseto) mara baada ya sheria ya mpito (transitional law) kupitishwa na Baraza la Wawakilishi. Bila shaka washiriki wakuu wa serikali hii watakuwa CCM na CUF.

Kujadili na kukubaliana kuweka kikatiba vyombo huru vitakavyosimamia uchaguzi.

Kujadili na kukubali marekebisho mengine ya kikatiba na sheria yatakayowezesha mazingira ya ushindani.

Kujadili na kukubali, kati ya pande zote zinazohusika, marekebish ya Katiba ya Jamhuri katika vifungu vinavyohusika na muungano.

Kuweka taratibu na ratiba ya hatua zilizikubalika kuchukuliwa.

Kwa mantiki ya hoja yangu ya kuaahirisha uchaguzi, suala ambalo linajitokeza moja kwa moja ni kwamba hatutakuwa na rais, kiongozi wa nchi na serikali, kwa kuwa rais aliyoko madarakani atakuwa amemaliza muda wake. Sasa je, nani atachukuwa nafasi ya mkuu wa nchi na kiongozi wa serikali? Kuna njia tatu:

Moja, mtu ateuliwe na Baraza la Wawakilishi kushika hatamu wakati wa mpito. Hili kwa kweli ni kinyume na hulka ya kidemokrasia na huwa haifanyika wakati wa kawaida isipokuwa tu kama kuna hali ya dharura (emergency) na Katiba imewekwa kando. Kisiasa, mteule kama huyo hatakuwa na uhalali hata kama ikikubaliwa kwamba asiwe mwanachama wa chama chochote.

Pili, Jaji Mkuu achukuwe nafasi hiyo. Ninafikiri hii pia haina mantiki kwa sababu anyetakiwa kuongoza katika kipindi hichi ni yule ambaye, kwa kiasi fulani, ana uhalali wa kisiasa. Na vyovyote vile sio vizuri kwa demokrasia kumingiza mkuu wa muhimili wa mahakama katika mambo ya kisiasa.

Tatu, ni kumongezea muda (sio kipindi kingine) rais aliyopo madarakani kuedelea wakati wa kipindi cha mpito. Hii inawezekana kisheria, na njia pekee, itakayokuwa na uhalali wa kisiasa kwa sababu (a) alichaguliwa, (b) chama chake kina wawakilishi wa kutosha katika Baraza, (c) chama kikuu cha upinzani (CUF) kimemkubali, na (d) inaelekea wananchi kwa kiasi kikubwa kimeridhia kwamba amalize kazi aliyoanza. Ni kweli, wanasiasa wenzake katika chama chake wasipendezwe na hatua hii, lakini kwa wale ambao wanajiona marais-matarajiwa, bila shaka, hawawezi wakapendezwa. Wana haraka ya kuingia ikulu!

Mwishowe, je, kitaaluma, nini ifanyike na nini inawezekana?

Baada ya makubaliano kati ya CCM na CUF, waandishi wa sheria wataanda sheria maalum ambayo inakuwa na hadhi sawa na Katiba na huitwa ‘constituent act’. Kwa hivyo Baraza la Wawakilishi wataipitisha sheria (labda nitaje jina: The Constitution (National Unity Government) (Transitional and Temporary Provisions) Act, 2010) ambayo itaorodhesha hatua zote muhimu, pamoja na kuweka muundo wa serikali ya umoja wa kimataifa. Pia, itaweka kando (suspend) vifungu vinavyohusika na uchaguzi na kipindi cha urais kwa muda wa mpito, n.k. Sheria hiyo itatamka wazi kwamba uhai wake ni wa muda wa, tuseme, miaka miwili tu na kwamba baada ya miaka miwili, itapoteza nguvu yake ya kisheria. Sinahaja kuzungumzia mambo mengine ya kitaaluma isipokuwa kusisitiza kwamba muhimu ni utashi wa kisiasa na hakuna upingamizi wowote wa kitaaluma.

Waheshimiwa, nimesema mambo haya hadharani kwa sababu mbili. Moja ni jambo lenyewe ni muhimu mno kwa wanajamii wa Zanzibar na Watanzania kwa jumla. Kamwe, hatuwezi kustahimili machafuko mengine katika nchi yetu. Pili, ni maaridhiano yenu yanatuhusu sisi sote na yasiwe ya siri wala yasichezewe kwa maslahi ya wanasiasa.

Kila la heri.

Issa Shivji

Profesa wa Kigoda cha Taaluma cha Mwalimu Nyerere

Chuo Kikuu cha Dar es Salaam

15/01/2010.

Maalim Seif ajibiwa....

Maalim Seif asiachwe kuizunguka historia ya Zanzibar


LIMEFANYIKA jaribio dhaifu la hadaa ya kisiasa; jaribio ambalo maelfu ya Wazanzibari wameliamini na kulikubali na bila ya kujali itikadi zao na mirengo yao ya kisiasa, wamelikumbatia kama ukweli na kuandamana kuliunga mkono.

Jaribio hilo ni lile la kupotosha historia ya Zanzibar ili kujipa alama bora za kisiasa. Jaribio hilo limefanywa na Katibu Mkuu wa Chama cha Wananchi (CUF), Seif Sharrif Hamad katika hotuba yake ya kuelezea juu ya “maridhiano na mustakabali wa Zanzibar”.

Kwa mtu yeyote aliyesoma hotuba hiyo ya Maalim Seif, ukweli mmoja unajionyesha wazi kama mwili wa mbuni aliyejificha kichwa chake mchangani, na kama mwangaza wa radi, hotuba hiyo imefunua ulaghai wa kisiasa ambao mtu makini anaweza kuuona toka mbali na kuukwepa.

Nasikitika wananchi wa Zanzibar katika kile kinachodhaniwa kuwa ni umoja wao, wamekumbatia historia hii mpya ya Zanzibar; historia ambayo kiukweli ni mpya!

Historia isiyo na doa ya Zanzibar

Kitu cha kwanza ambacho tunakiona katika historia hii mpya ya Zanzibar kwa mujibu wa Maalim Seif, ni historia isiyo na “doa” ya Zanzibar. Katika historia yake, Maalim Seif anaielezea Zanzibar katika mwanga wa uzuri wa paradiso. Anadai kuwa Zanzibar, licha ya udogo wake kama kisiwa, ilikuwa na umuhimu mkubwa katika eneo la Afrika ya Mashariki, Uarabuni, Bahari ya Hindi na Mashariki ya Mbali. Anadai kuwa umuhimu huo “ulitokana na maendeleo makubwa yaliyokuwa yamepigwa Zanzibar katika nyanja mbali mbali za maisha.”

Katika ‘maendeleo haya’ utumwa hautajwi wala kuhusishwa! (nitaliangalia hili mbele zaidi kwa wakati huu yatosha kuliweka mawazoni kama utumwa ni sehemu ya maendeleo ambayo Maalim Seif anaisifia Zanzibar!).

Mojawapo ya vitu vingine vya kihistoria ambavyo Maalim Seif amevionyesha katika kutangaza utukufu wa Zanzibar ni madai kuwa “Zanzibar inaelezwa kutajwa kwa majina tofauti tangu miaka 500 kabla ya kuzaliwa Nabii Issa (Yesu Kristo). Uvumbuzi wa karibuni wa mapango ya watu wa kale katika ukanda wa Mashariki Kusini mwa kisiwa cha Unguja unaonyesha kuwepo kwa makazi ya watu tokea zama za mawe ziitwazo ‘Stone Age’.

Katika kitabu maarufu chenye kumbukumbu za wasafiri wa kale wa Ugiriki waliotembelea mwambao wa Afrika Mashariki kiitwacho Periplus of the Erythrean Sea, kilichoandikwa mwaka 100 A.D. (kabla ya Nabii Issa), Zanzibar imetajwa kwa jina la ‘Menouthias’ ikiwa tayari ni nchi yenye watu mchanganyiko tena walio na ustaarabu wakiwa wanavaa nguo za hariri.”

Sasa alivyozungumza kwa uhakika ni kana kwamba wasomi wote duniani wanatambua kuwa “menouthias” ndiyo Zanzibar! Bila ya shaka Wazanzibari waliomsikia na kumsoma hivyo walifurahia mioyoni mwao kuwa kweli Zanzibar inatajwa katika maandishi ya kale.

Sitoshangaa kama watu wa Bara ambao hawajui historia yao waliinamisha vichwa vyao kwa sababu hawajui kama eneo lao linatajwa mahali popote au historia yao ndiyo imeanza mwaka 1884 au wanafikiria Bagamoyo ndiyo sehemu ya kale zaidi!

Kama Maalim Seif angependa kuwaambia ukweli wa Zanzibar juu ya miji ya kale na jamii za kale zilizowahi kutajwa kwenye maandishi ya kale, angewaambia watu wake juu ya mji wa kale wa Rhapta! Najua wengine mnajiuliza “ze what?”!

Katika kitabu hicho hicho cha maelezo ya safari za majini za kale katika bahari ya Hindi, kunatajwa vile vile mji wa Rhapta ambao tunaambiwa ulikuwa ni mji pwani ya Azania umbali wa usafiri wa kama siku mbili toka visiwa vya Menouthias.

Mmoja wa wataalamu wetu wa mambo ya kale Prof. Felix Chami anaweza kulielezea hili kwa kina kuwa siyo Zanzibar peke yake ambayo ina historia ya kale na kuwa watu wake walikuwa wakiishi katika jamii na kufanya biashara vizuri tu.

Ujio wa utawala wa Sultani

Katika historia yake hii mpya ya Zanzibar, Maalim Seif anadai kuwa “Mwaka 1503 Wareno waliivamia Zanzibar kupitia Unguja Ukuu na wakaitawala kwa muda mrefu wakifanya vitimbi vya kila aina. Waomani, kwa maombi ya wenyeji, walikuja katika Dola ya Zinj na kupambana na Wareno na hatimaye wakafanikiwa kuwatimua.” Katika hili tunaona mambo mawili yanayotajwa kwanza ni uvamizi wa Wareno (ambao kwa yeyote aneyejua historia haukukoma kwa visiwa hivyo tu) na pili “maombi ya wenyeji kwa Waoman”.

Kwamba Wareno walikuwa na vitimbi ni maneno machache; kwani historia yao inajulikana hadi Mombasa na Lamu. Tunapoambiwa kuwa wenyeji waliomba Oman ije kuwasaidia kuwaondoa Wareno, hatuambiwi ni wenyeji gani hao? Lakini wakati huo huo ni lazima tukumbuke kuwa utumwa ulikuwepo!

Yawezekana wenyeji waliotaka Oman kuja kuwaondoa Wareno walikuwa ni watumwa? Je watumwa walifaidika vipi na ujio wa Wa-Oman?

Balozi za kigeni huko Zanzibar

Maalim Seif anatuelezea katika hii historia mpya ya Zanzibar kuwa “Katika kipindi hiki Zanzibar iliweza kujitambulisha na kutambuliwa kama Dola huru katika ulimwengu. Zanzibar ikawa kituo muhimu cha kisiasa, kiuchumi na kibiashara katika Afrika Mashariki na Bahari ya Hindi.. Kutokana na umuhimu wake, madola makubwa yalifungua Ofisi za Kibalozi mjini Zanzibar : Marekani (1837), Uingereza (1841), Ufaransa (1844), na baada ya hapo Ureno, Utaliana, Ubelgiji na Ujarumani zikafuata.”

Mzanzibar ambaye hajui historia ya Zanzibar na mtu wa bara ambaye anayasoma maneno haya anaamini kabisa kuwa balozi hizo zilifunguliwa kwa sababu ya Zanzibar “kujitambulisha na kutambuliwa kama dola huru katika ulimwengu”.

Bahati mbaya ni kuwa kuna historia ambayo Maalim Seif hakutaka kuikiri hadharani inayohusiana na kufunguliwa kwa balozi hizo Zanzibar na siyo sehemu nyingine katika eneo letu hili. Naomba ruhusa nimkumbushe sehemu hii ya historia yetu.

Mwaka 1822 Sultan wa Oman, Sayyid Said Bin Sultan aliingia mkataba ujulikanao kama Mkataba wa Moresby. Mkataba huu, pamoja na mambo mengine, ulipiga marufuku uuzaji wa watumwa kwa nchi za Kikristu kutoka katika himaya yote ya Sultani huyo. Ni kutokana na mkataba huo na mingine iliyofuatia ndio nchi za Marekani, Uingereza , Ufaransa n.k zilipoamua kuanzisha ofisi zao za ubalozi huko ili kuhakikisha mojawapo ya mambo mengi kuwa Sultani wa Zanzibar anaheshimu makubaliano ya Moresby, Hamilton n.k

Ukiangalia tarehe ya kuanza kwa balozi hizo kama Maalim alivyoonyesha (1837) unaweza ukafikiria ni kwa bahati nzuri tu kuwa ndani ya miaka kama saba nchi mbalimbali za Kimagharibi zimefungua balozi zao huko?

Ikumbukwe kuwa mwaka 1832 (wanahistoria wengine wanaweka tarehe ya mbele kidogo) Sultani wa Oman alihamishia maskani yake kutoka Omani na kuwa Zanzibar makao makuu. Kutokana na ukaribu wake na nchi hizo za Magharibi Zanzibar hatimaye ilifanikiwa pole pole kukomesha utumwa na utumishi wa kulazimisha (servitude).

Omani, hata hivyo, ambayo tunaambiwa ndio walikuwa watu wema kwetu, waliendelea na hali hiyo kwa namna moja au nyingine hadi mwaka 1870 kufuatia mapinduzi yaliyomuingiza Sultan Qabus na Saudi Arabia yenyewe chini ya Mfalme Faysal ilifanya hivyo mwaka 1869!

Hii ni muhimu kuelewa kwa sababu ni sehemu ya Historia ya Zanzibar, na ni historia yetu vile vile. Hatuwezi kuikana, kujificha kwa haya au hata kuitaja kwa jina.

‘Uhuru’ wa Zanzibar ni uhuru?

Jambo jingine ambalo Maalim analielezea ni kuwa “Uingereza ilikabidhi uhuru kwa Zanzibar tarehe 10 Desemba 1963 chini ya Sultani na Serikali ya ZNP/ZPPP. ASP hawakuukubali uhuru huo na tarehe 12 Januari, 1964 ilifanya Mapinduzi na Zanzibar ikatangazwa kuwa Jamhuri.”

Wapo watu wanaoamini kabisa kuwa huu kweli ulikuwa ni “uhuru wa Zanzibar”. Ndio hawa ambao bado wanapata shida kuyatambua Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar na ulazima wa kwanini yalitokea. Unaweza kuliona hilo katika hotuba hiyo ya Maalim Seif.

Utaona mambo makubwa matatu ambayo ni sehemu ya historia ya Zanzibar hayatajwi kabisa na kama hilo hapo juu yanatajwa kama kwa kupita. Kwanza ni suala la utumwa na pili ni utawala wa Sultani wa Zanzibar na kama wananchi waliokuwa watumwa au watu weusi walinufaika na utawala huo.

Ndugu zangu, tunapotaka kujenga Zanzibar mpya na Tanzania mpya tuipendayo, hatuna budi kuwa wakweli kwa historia yetu. Tusiikane au kuona ni vibaya kuikiri. Wamarekani walikuwa na utumwa, Wamarekani walipigana wenyewe kwa wenyewe na zaidi ya nusu milioni walikufa.

Wamarekani walikuwa na ubaguzi wa rangi licha ya Katiba yao kutangaza usawa wa binadamu wote na haki zao. Leo hii Wamarekani wameweza kumchagua mtu mweusi kuwa Rais wao miaka chini ya hamsini tu tangu vurumai za mwamko wa haki za watu weusi nchini humo!

Bila ya kura za watu weupe Obama asingeweza kuwa Rais wa Marekani! Watu weusi wa Marekani ni kama asilimia 12 tu ya Wamarekani wote! Kwa maneno mengine, watu weupe ambao wamekuwa wakiangaliwa vibaya na kubebeshwa lawama za utumwa na ubaguzi na watu weusi walikubali historia yao na kuikumbatia na kujitokeza kumchagua mtu mweusi.

Hii ni historia yetu!

Hii ina maana kwetu leo hii. Waarabu, Wahindi, Washirazi na watu weusi wa Zanzibar na Tanzania Bara, ni lazima watambue kuwa hata tukimbie vipi, hata tujifiche vipi na hata tukwepe vipi, historia yetu imefungamana milele. Hata kina Maalim wasipotaja utumwa wasidhanie kuwa basi utafutika katika historia!

Na pia ni lazima tutambue kuwa kama taifa hatuwezi kuwabebesha Waarabu na Waoman wa leo mzigo wa dhambi ya utumwa na kuwaona kuwa ni waonevu juu yetu.

Kama vile Marekani, natambua wapo watu ambao bado hawamuoni mtu mweusi kuwa ana haki sawa na kumheshimu. Wapo watu weupe Marekani ambao hadi leo hii hawamtambui Obama kama Rais wao! Sitoshangaa wapo kati yetu uzao wa Wa-Oman na Waarabu wengine ambao wanaona watu weusi bado ni duni!

Na katika upotofu Fulani, wapo watu weusi ambao wanaamini kabisa kuwa bila ya wao kukubaliwa na Waarabu hao au na Washirazi, basi siyo binadamu hasa. Na wengine wamefikia hata kujiita “Waarabu” ili waonekane kukubalika. Huu ni upumbavu.

Waarabu wa Tanzania ni wananchi wenzetu na wana haki zote kama Watanzania wengine. Hawana haki au utu zaidi kwa sababu ya Uarabu wao.

Watu wenye asili ya Omani ambao vizazi vyao vimegawanyika Zanzibar na Oman wasijione kuwa wao ndiyo Waarabu hasa kulinganisha na Waarabu waliochangia damu na Wamanyema na Wanyamwezi wa Bara!

Wahindi ambao hawajachangia damu yoyote na watu weusi na wana vizazi Tanzania na India wasijifikirie kuwa wao ni watu bora zaidi na kuwa watu weusi bado ni maboi wao!

Nayasema haya ili ijulikane kwamba Tanzania tunayoitaka ni Tanzania yetu sote - historia ya Zanzibar ni historia ya Tanzania. Huu upuuzi wa kutaka kufanya watu wa Bara ni duni kwa sababu hawana historia ya taa za barabarani na televisheni za rangi, ni lazima ukome hata ukitolewa na wanasiasa tunaowapenda.

Huu mtindo wa “Zanzibar ilikuwa pepo na mapinduzi yakaharibu”, ni mtindo tunaopaswa kuukataa kwa nguvu zetu zote!

Ndiyo maana ni muhimu kujua kama kina Maalim Seif wanatambua ulazima wa mapinduzi yale na kuyakubali si kwa ajili ya kupata pointi za kisiasa bali kifalsafa na kimaadili. Ni lazima tujue kama kina Seif wanaweza kusema kuwa waliona matatizo yoyote ya utawala wa Sultani huko Zanzibar au wao bado wanaamini kuwa Sultani alionewa tu.

Na ndiyo maana katika haya pia mimi ninaamini kabisa kuwa mojawapo ya mambo ya kupatana Zanzibar ni lazima suala la Sultani lizungumzwe siku moja na kuhitimishwa, kwa sababu tunajua hadi leo hii Sultani wa Zanzibar hajakikana kiti chake cha Usultani wa Zanzibar na watoto wao bado wanaendelea kujitambua kuwa ni wana wa Sultan (Prince na Princesses).

Wote hawa ndugu zangu ni sehemu ya historia yetu na wakati umefika tuache kujitenga kwa mambo ya kijinga tukifirikia kuwa tunachofanya ni hekima na busara na ni uzalendo. Zanzibar haiwezi kukaa katika kivuli cha Sultani anayesubiri siku moja arudi na kukalia kiti chake!

Wananchi wa Zanzibar wasikubali hadaa ya maneno ya kisiasa, wasikubali kuimbiwa zumari za uongo na wao wakacheza.

Zanzibar ina historia yake na historia hiyo ina mazuri na mabaya yake kama vile ilivyo historia ya Uingereza, Japani, na China!

Historia hiyo ya Zanzibar ni historia ya Azania! Ni historia ya Tanzania yetu leo hii. Katika hili hatuna sababu ya kuomba radhi na Wazanzibari wasifikirie kuwa tutawaonea wivu. Wao ni sehemu yetu, sehemu ya damu yetu; kwani hatuwezi kamwe kuandika historia ya Tanganyika au Mwambao wa Afrika ya Mashariki bila kuandika historia ya Zanzibar.

Wana CCM Zanzibar wameliabisha taifa

Kitendo cha uongozi wa CCM Zanzibar kukubali na kukumbatia uongo kwa kisingizio cha “Zanzibar moja” ni cha hatari kwa muafaka wa taifa; kwani kinalenga kudhoofisha muungano na Rais Kikwete na Watanzania wasipoangalia ni ujumbe mkubwa wa kisiasa ambao matokeo yake hata kichaa anaweza kuyatabiri.

Wana CCM wa Zanzibar na Watanzania wa Zanzibar watambue kuwa wao ni sehemu ya jamhuri yetu, historia yetu ni historia yao na historia yao ni yetu. Tofauti za kisiasa na kimtizamo ni tofauti zinazozungumzika (hata leo hii majimbo ya Marekani na hata Uingereza wanazungumzia tofauti zao za kisiasa na kiutawala)

Katika kutafuta sifa za kisiasa, Rais wa Zanzibar asilipeleke taifa kwenye uchaguzi mbaya kwa kukumbatia uongo.

Vinginevyo, Dk. Karume atajikuta anafifisha na kudunisha na kudharau damu ya wale waliokufa katika mapinduzi na kufanya mapinduzi yale kuwa hayana maana yoyote! Historia itamhukumu vibaya sana akiendelea na maamuzi anayofanya sasa.

Kina Maalim wasitugawe sasa kwa historia wakifikiri wanatutendea hisani. Na nimeudhika kuona wana CCM wameingia katika mtego huu huko Zanzibar kiasi cha kupepea uongo kwa kanga zao za kijani na njano!

Ninaona fahari kuwa Zanzibar ni sehemu ya Tanzania. Ninaona fahari ya kujua historia yetu kama taifa.

Naomba niishie hapa. Nitajibu hoja zake za kisiasa alizozitoa wiki ijayo, inshallah.

Bilal urges respect for isles constitution

AS calls for the extension of President Amani Abeid Karume presidency tenure mount among politicians here, former Chief Minister, Dr Mohammed Gharib Bilal, yesterday came out openly to say that the Zanzibar constitution that limits presidency to two terms should be respected.

He said that an argument by the opposition Civic United Front (CUF), for a change of the constitution to enable President Karume to seek a third term, ‘lacks legs to stand on.’

“This argument can not justify constitutional amendments and the postponement of the forthcoming general elections”, he said, adding: “We must respect and abide by the constitution.

Unfortunately, we still do not know much about an agreement between Karume and Hamad (CUF Secretary General).

Had we been aware, people would have discussed it in accordance with their agreement,” said Bilal, who vied for the presidency in the 2005 general elections, which saw Karume winning the slot. Dr Bilal said that CCM leaders would deliberate thoroughly on the issue, after receiving an official report.

“I recognise Karume/Hamad reconciliation and I also respect what the president said on constitutional presidency terms. However, I will respect the voice of the majority,” he added.

Dr Bilal shares sentiments with the CCM Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar, Mr Salehe Ramadhan Feruz, who opposes the idea of constitutional change to allow Mr Karume to stand for a third term.

“I personally see no reason for changing the constitution, if the issue is to extend President Karume’s term, then it should be referred to party organs for deliberation,” Mr Feruzi said.

He maintains that the constitution should be respected and the amendment be accommodated in accordance with official party consensus.

Efforts to get comments from Zanzibar’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho, Attorney General, Mr Idd Pandu Hassan, Minister of State in the Vice-

President’s Office (Union Matters), Mr Mohammed Seif Khatib and Deputy Chief Minister, Mr Ali Juma Shamuhuna, proved futile yesterday.

The push for extension of Mr Karume’s term agenda has been in limelight since he announced that the constitution does not allow him for another term.

Immediately, CUF came out strongly advocating for Karume to have another term in office, but with little public support from the CCM ranks.

CUF legislators are planning to meet this week to forge a common stand in lobbying and for delay of general elections, so as to allow President Karume's tenure in office.

CUF’s Secretary General and a senior official of the party, Mr Salum Bimani, have on different occasions been quoted supporting the adjournment of general elections in Zanzibar.

“We commend President Jakaya Kikwete for supporting the on-going reconciliation; there is no doubt that he will support every step.

We also thank Prof Issa Shivji for his open letter which fully supports the postponement of the elections,” the CUF leaders were quoted as saying on different occasions on Saturday, at a public rally held at Kibanda-maiti.

According to them, Zanzibar legislators (both from CCM and CUF), will unanimously support the adjournment of elections later this year and allow Mr Karume extra tenure in office.


Source: Daily News

Maridhiano na Mustakbali wa Zanzibar

MARIDHIANO NA MUSTAKBALI WA ZANZIBAR

Na Seif Sharif Hamad

UTANGULIZI

Zanzibar inapita katika mojawapo ya vipindi muhimu sana vya historia yake ya kisiasa. Nuru mpya ya matumaini imechomoza kupitia Maridhiano ya Wazanzibari. Hatua hii imekuja kufuatia mkutano na mazungumzo ya kihistoria kati ya Rais wa Zanzibar na Mwenyekiti wa Baraza la Mapinduzi, Mhe. Dk. Amani Karume, na mimi nikiwa Katibu Mkuu wa Chama Cha Wananchi (CUF) huko Ikulu ya Zanzibar , Novemba 5, 2009 yaliyokuwa na lengo la kujenga mustakbali mpya wa siasa Zanzibar .

Mazungumzo hayo yalifuatiwa na hatua ya kijasiri ya CUF ya Novemba 7, 2009 ya kwenda hadharani kutangaza kumtambua Rais Karume na Serikali anayoiongoza na kukubali kushirikiana na kufanya naye kazi pamoja kwa maslahi ya Zanzibar na watu wake.

Pamoja na hatua hiyo kuonekana kuwachanganya wana-CUF pale ilipotangazwa kwao kwa mara ya kwanza, lakini viongozi wa CUF tukiongozwa na Mwenyekiti wa Taifa, Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba, hatukuyumba wala kurudi nyuma na tukaamua kufanya kazi kubwa ya kuwaelimisha wanachama kupitia mikutano ya hadhara na vikao vya ndani hadi kufikia hatua ya sasa ambapo wana-CUF takriban wote sasa wanakubaliana na hatua zinazochukuliwa. Ushiriki mkubwa na wa aina yake wa wana-CUF katika kilele cha sherehe za miaka 46 ya Mapinduzi ya Januari 12, 1964 zilizofanyika kisiwani Pemba ni ushahidi tosha wa hali hiyo ninayoieleza. Nataka nitumie fursa hii kuwashukurukwa dhati wana-CUF wote kwa kutuelewa na kutuunga mkono katika hatua zetu hizi tunazozichukua.

Kwa upande wake, Rais Amani Karume naye amehutubia mkutano wa hadhara wa CCM Novemba 22, 2009 na kutoa hotuba iliyotoa mwelekeo mpya wa mahusiano ya kisiasa hapa Zanzibar . Pamoja na mambo mengine, alitangaza kwamba milango iko wazi kuweza kuzungumza jambo lolote lenye maslahi na Zanzibar na watu wake. Hotuba zake za hivi karibuni alipokuwa katika ziara rasmi kisiwani Pemba na baadaye katika matukio mbali mbali ya Sherehe za Mapinduzi zimeendelea kusisitiza azma yake ya kujenga Zanzibar mpya yenye umoja, maelewano, mshikamano, amani, utulivu na maendeleo kwa watu wake wote.

Nafurahi kuona hotuba zetu, mimi na Rais Karume, tukiwa ndiyo viongozi wakuu wa kisiasa hapa Zanzibar zimesaidia kuyazamisha maridhiano haya katika nyoyo za wafuasi wa vyama vya CCM na CUF na pia katika nyoyo za Wazanzibari wote. Zanzibar inashuhudia hali ya matumaini ambayo haijapata kuonekana kwa miaka mingi.

Kiwango cha kuaminiana kimekuwa cha juu kabisa na hatua ya karibuni ya Rais Amani Karume kutangaza kuwateua viongozi wawili waandamizi wa CUF, Mhe. Juma Duni Haji na Mhe. Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, kuwa wajumbe wa Baraza la Wawakilishi imepokelewa kwa furaha kubwa kuwa ni hatua sahihi katika kuimarisha maridhiano yaliyofikiwa.

Umuhimu wa hatua tunazochukua umeonekana kutokana na kauli mbali mbali za viongozi wa ndani na hata nje ya nchi, taasisi zisizo za kiserikali na jumuiya mbali mbali za kiraia, wasomi, viongozi wa dini na wengine wengi za kupongeza hatua hizo. Nachukua fursa hii kuwashukuru wote hao kwa kutuunga mkono katika hili. Lakini na mimi pia naungana na Rais Karume katika kumpa shukrani nyingi na za pekee Rais wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania , Mhe. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, kwa salamu zake za pongezi kwetu ambazo siyo tu zilibeba ujumbe mzito kwa wale wote wanaobeza hatua tuliyochukua lakini pia zilikuwa zimeambatana na ahadi yake kwamba anatuunga mkono kwa hatua tunazochukua na kwamba tutegemee kila msaada tunaouhitajia kufanikisha yale tuliyoyakusudia. Binafsi nimefarijika sana na ahadi yake hiyo kwani hapana shaka yoyote kwamba msaada wake unahitajika sana .

Ukiacha salamu hizo za pongezi, Wazanzibari wengi wameifurahia hatua tuliyochukua na wana matumaini makubwa kuwa itafungua milango mikubwa zaidi ya mashirikiano. Bila shaka wapo pia vidudu mtu wachache ambao wanafanya kila juhudi kutaka kuturudisha kule kule tulikotoka kwa sababu tu ya kujali maslahi yao . Natoa wito kwa wananchi wote kwamba wawapuuze na nawahakikishia kwamba mimi na Rais Karume tumekubaliana kuwa hakuna kurudi nyuma katika hatua tuliyoianzisha. Ni nia yetu kuona kuwa tunaitumia fursa hii kuirudisha Zanzibar katika nafasi yake iliyokuwa nayo huko nyuma ambayo ilipotea kutokana na kuendekeza kwetu tofauti zetu badala ya yale yanayotuunganisha. Time has come to make Zanzibar great and proud of herself again.

ZANZIBAR ILIKOTOKA

“Ipigwapo zumari Zanzibar , hucheza walioko katika Maziwa Makuu.” Huu ni usemi wa kihistoria unaoeleza nafasi kubwa viliyokuwa nayo visiwa vyetu katika kusarifu na kushawishi mwenendo wa mambo katika eneo la Afrika Mashariki na Kati. Hizo zilikuwa zama za Zanzibar kuvuma kutokea upande huu wa magharibi ya Bahari ya Hindi kuelekea ndani ya Bara la Afrika hadi mashariki ya Congo na pia kuelekea sehemu za kaskazini kwenda Bara Arabu, Bara Hindi na Mashariki ya Mbali na pia kupenya hadi Ulaya na Marekani.

Udogo wa visiwa vya Zanzibar haulingani na umuhimu wake katika historia ya Afrika Mashariki, Bahari ya Hindi, Arabuni hadi Mashariki ya Mbali. Umuhimu huo ulitokana na maendeleo makubwa yaliyokuwa yamepigwa Zanzibar katika nyanja mbali mbali za maisha. Na hali hiyo haikuja kwa bahati mbaya bali ilitokana na ustaarabu uliojengeka karne nyingi sana zilizopita. Inatambulika, kwa mfano, kwamba Zanzibar , au Dola ya Zinj, ndiyo dola kongwe kuliko zote katika eneo lote la Afrika kusini ya jangwa la Sahara .

Watu wa visiwa vya Zanzibar walitoka sehemu mbali mbali: Afrika ya Mashariki na Kati , Iran , Arabuni, Bara Hindi, Ngazija, Mashariki ya Mbali, Ulaya n.k.

Zanzibar inaelezwa kutajwa kwa majina tofauti tangu miaka 500 kabla ya kuzaliwa Nabii Issa (a..s.). Uvumbuzi wa karibuni wa mapango ya watu wa kale katika ukanda wa Mashariki Kusini wa kisiwa cha Unguja unaonesha kuwepo kwa makaazi ya watu tokea zama za mawe ziitwazo kama ‘Stone Age’. Katika kitabu maarufu chenye kumbukumbu za wasafiri wa kale wa Ugiriki waliotembelea mwambao wa Afrika Mashariki kiitwacho Periplus of the Erythrean Sea kilichoandikwa mwaka 100 A.D. (kabla ya Nabii Issa), Zanzibar imetajwa kwa jina la ‘Menouthias’ ikiwa tayari ni nchi yenye watu mchanganyiko tena walio na ustaarabu wakiwa wanavaa nguo za hariri. Huko Oxford, imeonekana ramani ya wasafiri wa Kiarabu iliyotayarishwa Karne ya 11 ambayo inaonesha visiwa vya Zanzibar na mji mkuu wake ukiwa Unguja Ukuu.

Kwa muda mrefu, Zanzibar ilikuwa imegawanyika katika falme mbali mbali, mpaka ilipofika mwaka 1500 ulipoanzishwa utawala wa Mwinyi Mkuu akiwa ndiyo alama ya utawala wa kienyeji Visiwani. Mwinyi Mkuu wa mwisho, Ahmed bin Muhammed bin Hassan el-Alawy alifariki 1873. Mwaka 1503 Wareno waliivamia Zanzibar kupitia Unguja Ukuu na wakaitawala kwa muda mrefu wakifanya vitimbi vya kila aina. Waomani kwa maombi ya wenyeji walikuja katika Dola ya Zinj na kupambana na Wareno na hatimaye wakafanikiwa kuwatimua. Sayyid Said bin Sultan alifika Zanzibar mwaka 1828, na kutokana na kuvutiwa na mandhari yake mwaka 1832 akaifanya Zanzibar kuwa makao makuu ya utawala wake badala ya Muscat .

Katika kipindi hiki Zanzibar iliweza kujitambulisha na kutambuliwa kama Dola huru katika ulimwengu. Zanzibar ikawa kituo muhimu cha kisiasa, kiuchumi na kibiashara katika Afrika Mashariki na Bahari ya Hindi.. Kutokana na umuhimu wake, Madola makubwa yalifungua Ofisi za Kibalozi mjini Zanzibar : Marekani (1837), Uingereza (1841), Ufaransa (1844), na baada ya hapo Ureno, Utaliana, Ubelgiji na Ujarumani zikafuata.

Madola ya Ulaya yalipoanza njama za kinyang’anyiro cha Afrika kwa lengo la kuigawanya kuwa katika makoloni yao , Zanzibar iligombaniwa baina ya Waingereza na Wajarumani. Baada ya vuta nikuvute, mwaka 1890 iliwekwa chini ya Himaya ya Kiingereza (Protectorate) katika Mkataba uliotiwa saini kati ya Mfalme wa Kiingereza na Sayyid Ali bin Said na kwa kutambua hadhi tofauti ya Zanzibar , masuala yake yalikuwa yakiendeshwa kupitia Wizara ya Mambo ya Nje (Foreign Office) ya Uingereza. Mwaka 1913, masuala ya utawala wa Zanzibar yalihamishwa kutoka Ofisi ya Mambo ya Nje (Foreign Office) na kupelekwa rasmi Ofisi ya Makoloni (Colonial Office).

Kidogo kidogo, harakati za kuanzisha mfumo wa Utawala wa sura ya kikoloni zikaanza pale ilipotungwa Sheria (Order-in-Council) ya 1926 iliyoanzisha Baraza la Kutunga Sheria (LegCo) na Baraza la Utawala (ExCo). Ni katika kipindi hicho ambapo mfumo wa uwakilishi wa kikabila ulianzishwa ukiwaweka kando Waafrika na Washirazi na hivyo kupanda fitina za mifarakano chini ya sera ya Waingereza ya ‘wagawe uwatawale’ (divide and rule). Ilichukua miaka 20, hadi mwaka 1946, ambapo Mshirazi wa kwanza, Sheikh Ameir Tajo, aliteuliwa kuingia katika Baraza la Kutunga Sheria akifuatiwa na mwenzake, Sheikh Ali Shariff Mussa, aliyeteuliwa mwaka 1948.

Miaka ya 50 ilishuhudia harakati za kudai uhuru kwa kuundwa vyama vya ukombozi: Zanzibar Nationalist Party (ZNP) kilichoasisiwa 1955 na Afro Shirazi Party (ASP) kilichoundwa 1957. Katika kipindi cha miaka saba ya mchuano mkali wa nani anafaa kukabidhiwa Uhuru wa Zanzibar, kulifanyika chaguzi nne ambazo ni Julai 1957, Januari 1961, Juni 1961 na Julai 1963. Chaguzi hizo zilishindwa kuwaweka pamoja Wazanzibari na badala yake zikawa chachu ya kugawika kwa jamii kati ya mapande mawili yenye nguvu takriban sawa sawa. Hali ikazidi kukorogeka pale vyama hivyo vikuu navyo vilipopasuka ambapo Afro Shirazi Party ilimeguka na kupelekea kuanzishwa Zanzibar and Pemba Peoples Party (ZPPP) mwaka 1959 na Zanzibar Nationalist Party nayo ikapasuka na kupelekea kuanzishwa Umma Party mwaka 1963. Zanzibar ikawa inaelekea katika Uhuru ikiwa ni jamii iliyogawanyika.

Uingereza ilikabidhi Uhuru kwa Zanzibar tarehe 10 Desemba 1963 chini ya Sultani na Serikali ya ZNP/ZPPP. ASP hawakuubali Uhuru huo na tarehe 12 Januari, 1964 ilifanya Mapinduzi na Zanzibar ikatangazwa kuwa Jamhuri.

Haya niliyoyaeleza ni mukhtasari tu wa historia ya Zanzibar unaoonesha vipindi mbali mbali ambavyo nchi ilipitia katika ujenzi wa Taifa.

Lakini pamoja na misukosuko ya kisiasa tuliyokumbana nayo, ni vyema ikaeleweka na hususan kwa vijana wa leo kwamba Zanzibar hii imeweka rekodi mbali mbali za kujivunia na kutoa mchango mkubwa katika maendeleo ya binadamu na ustaarabu. Ni vijana wangapi leo hii wanaojua kwamba mji wa Zanzibar ulikuwa wa mwanzo kuwasha taa za umeme za barabarani na mitaani (zikiitwa taa za stimu) kabla ya miji ya London na New York ? Balozi wa Marekani aliyemaliza muda wake mwaka jana, Bwana Mark Green, wakati akitoa hotuba yake ya kuaga, alisema meli za Marekani zilikuwa zikitia nanga katika bandari ya Zanzibar kuja kununua mafuta ya nyangumi kwa ajili ya kwenda kuwashia taa zao za barabarani wakati Zanzibar ikiwa inatumia umeme. Sayyid Said bin Sultan alipeleka Balozi wa kwanza wa Zanzibar nchini Marekani, Ahmed bin Nu’man mwaka 1840.

Zanzibar ilikuwa nchi ya kwanza kuwa na sarafu yake katika Afrika kusini ya Sahara zilizoanzishwa wakati wa Tawala za Kishirazi ambazo zilichimbuliwa katika maeneo ya Unguja Ukuu, Mkumbuu na Mtambwe Mkuu katika miaka ya tisini. Baadaye katika mwaka 1908, ikawa tena nchi ya kwanza katika eneo hili kuanzisha sarafu za noti zake wenyewe (rupia za Zanzibar ) ambazo ziliendelea kutumika hadi 1936 ilipoanzishwa sarafu ya shilingi ya Afrika Mashariki chini ya Bodi ya Sarafu ya Afrika Mashariki.

Zanzibar ilikuwa nchi ya kwanza katika eneo hili kufunga mikataba ya kibiashara na nchi za Marekani, Uingereza, Ufaransa na Jiji la Hamburg (kabla ya kuanzishwa kwa Shirikisho la Ujarumani). Zama hizo, nchi yetu pia ilikuwa na mahusiano ya kibiashara na nchi za Arabuni , India , China , Malaysia na visiwa vya Java na Sumatra (ambavyo sasa ni Indonesia ) na kupitia mahusiano hayo, iliweza kujenga utamaduni na ustaarabu wa kipekee.

Wakati Zanzibar inapata uhuru wake, ilikuwa nchi ya pili katika Afrika kwa ukubwa wa wastani wa pato la wananchi wake, na ya tatu kwa kiwango cha elimu na pia ikiwa na taasisi 17 za fedha zikiwemo benki na kampuni za bima.

Haya yalikuwa katika kipindi cha kabla ya Mapinduzi ya 1964 lakini hata baada ya Mapinduzi, nafasi ya Zanzibar katika Afrika haikupotea. Ilikuwa nchi ya kwanza katika Afrika kusini ya Jangwa la Sahara kuanzisha televisheni ya rangi na pia ikitoa huduma zote muhimu za jamii bure kwa wananchi wake. Ilifikia wakati ambapo Rais wa kwanza wa Jamhuri ya Watu wa Zanzibar , Marehemu Mzee Abeid Amani Karume, alitangaza hadharani kwamba hakukuwa na nchi yoyote iliyokuwa ikiidai Zanzibar bali Zanzibar ndiyo iliyokuwa ikizidai baadhi ya nchi malimbikizo ya madeni yanayotokana na uuzaji wa karafuu zake.

Nimeamua kuchukua muda mrefu kidogo kuyadondoa haya ili tujue wapi nchi yetu ilikotoka na kwa vipi migogoro ya kisiasa iliyokuja kuvigubika visiwa vyetu na wananchi wake ilikuja kutuathiri vibaya na kuyapoteza mengi kati ya haya.


CHAGUZI: SUMU YA UMOJA WA WAZANZIBARI

Sina haja ya kurejea historia ya chaguzi mbali mbali zilizofanyika hapa Zanzibar kabla na baada ya Mapinduzi ili kuthibitisha hoja yangu kwamba chaguzi zimekuwa ndiyo sumu ya umoja wa Wazanzibari.

Ni bahati mbaya sana kwamba maendeleo ya kisiasa ya harakati za kudai uhuru wa Zanzibar yaliyoshika kasi kuanzia uchaguzi mkuu wa mwanzo visiwani wa 1957 yaliibua hisia kali zinazotokana na matukio ya vipindi mbali mbali vya historia ambavyo viliambatana na mapambano ya kitabaka na hivyo kupelekea siasa za wakati huo kugubikwa na wimbi la chuki, hasama na kutoaminiana lililokuwa limejikita kwa miongo kadhaa. Vyama vya siasa vilipokuja kuundwa havikuweza kukwepa athari hii na matokeo yake yakawa ni mapambano ya vuta nikuvute ambayo yalipelekea vurugu na fujo zilizoambatana na roho za watu kupotea. Kila kitu katika maisha ya Mzanzibari kikawa ni siasa. Shughuli zote za maisha ya kila siku zikawa zinafanywa kwa misingi ya vyama vya siasa. Jamii ya Zanzibar ikawa imegawanyika kati kati.

Bila shaka mbali na matukio hayo ya kihistoria, pia kulikuwa na athari mbaya za baadhi ya nchi jirani na za mbali ambazo zilikuwa na khofu kubwa na umaarufu wa Zanzibar , nchi ambazo ziliamua kujipenyeza katika siasa zetu na kuchochea na hata kuikoleza mifarakano iliyokuwepo.

Kabla ya Mapinduzi, chaguzi zikitegemea wingi wa viti ili kupata mshindi wa kuunda serikali. Wingi wa kura haukuwa kigezo cha ushindi. Pamoja na kwamba utaratibu huu ulilalamikiwa na ASP kwa kule kupata kwake viti vichache wakati ikiwa na kura nyingi, wingi huo bado ulionesha kwa wastani mgawanyiko wa takriban nusu kwa nusu ya ushindi wa vyama vya wakati huo.

Katika mtiririko wa historia ya kisiasa ya Zanzibar , kielelezo kikubwa cha ukosefu wa kuaminiana kinaonekana katika uendeshaji wa uchaguzi na matokeo yake. Kama nilivyoeleza kabla, Zanzibar ilifanya chaguzi nne kabla ya Mapinduzi ya 1964 ambazo ni zile za Julai 1957, Januari 1961, Juni 1961 na Julai 1963 na imeshafanya chaguzi tatu tokea mfumo wa vyama vingi uliporudishwa yaani 1995, 2000 na 2005.

Katika chaguzi hizo zote zilizowahi kufanyika Zanzibar , ukiacha uchaguzi wa mwanzo wa 1957, hakujawahi kutokea uchaguzi wowote ambao washiriki wake waliridhika kikamilifu na uendeshaji wake na wakayapokea kwa moyo mkunjufu matokeo yake. ASP ililalamikia uendeshaji na matokeo ya chaguzi za Januari 1961, Juni 1961 na Julai 1963 na katika kipindi hiki cha kurejeshwa kwa mfumo wa vyama vingi tokea mwaka 1992, CUF imelalamikia uendeshaji na matokeo ya chaguzi za 1995, 2000 na 2005. Kikubwa kinachokosekana ni imani kwa taasisi zinazoendesha na kusimamia chaguzi.

Ikiwa tunakubaliana na ukweli huu, ni wazi kwamba bila ya kushughulikia kiini hiki cha migogoro isiyokwisha katika siasa zetu basi ufumbuzi wa dhati na wa kudumu wa migogoro ya kisiasa hautapatikana.

Naamini kwa dhati kabisa njia mojawapo ya kujengeana imani kati ya kambi mbili kuu za kisiasa visiwani Zanzibar ni kuzifanya kambi hizo zifanye kazi kwa pamoja katika uendeshaji wa nchi.

Tafakuri ya kina ya hali ya mambo inavyokuwa wakati wa uchaguzi na pia dalili za kheri zilizooneshwa na Rais Amani Abeid Karume za kutaka kujenga mustakbali mpya wa kisiasa Zanzibar zilitufanya tuone haja ya kushirikiana naye ili kuwaunganisha Wazanzibari wawe kitu kimoja huku tukiamini kwamba katika umoja, tutaweza kuyafikia yale makubwa ambayo tumeshindwa kuyafikia kwa kule kufarikiana kwetu.


MARIDHIANO: FURSA ZILIZOKO MBELE YETU

Mmojawapo wa Marais wa Marekani anayeheshimika sana katika nchi yake na duniani kwa jumla, Abraham Lincoln, aliwahi kusema kuwa ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand’ yaani ‘Nyumba iliyogawanyika haiwezi kusimama’. Haya ni maneno yenye hekima kubwa sana . Ni wazi kwamba Zanzibar imepiga hatua kubwa za maendeleo katika sekta mbali mbali lakini ni jambo lisiloweza kupingika kwamba kama tutaendeleza umoja na mshikamano tunaouonesha hivi sasa na kufikia hatua ya kufanya kazi pamoja basi kuna faida na fursa nyingi na kubwa sana zinazoweza kutumiwa vyema kwa ajili ya kuiendeleza mbele zaidi nchi yetu na watu wake. Miongoni mwa faida za wazi za Maridhiano ni pamoja na:

1. Kisiasa: Kuondosha siasa za utengano, chuki, ubaguzi, uhasama, ugomvi na visasi miongoni mwa wananchi wetu na kuleta siasa za umoja, maelewano na mashirikiano.

2. Kiusalama: Kuondoa khofu na wasiwasi kwa kufuta viashiria vinavyoweza kuwa chanzo cha fujo na ghasia na ambavyo vingeweza kutumiwa hata na maadui wa Tanzania kuhatarisha usalama wetu na badala yake kuleta hali ya amani na usalama ambayo inavifanya hata vyombo vyetu vya ulinzi na usalama kufanya kazi zao katika hali ya utulivu na ushirikiano na wananchi wote.

3. Kiuchumi: Kuondoa hali iliyokuwepo ya sehemu ya wananchi kujiona hawashirikishwi au hawapaswi kushiriki katika harakati za ujenzi wa nchi na kuwaleta pamoja wananchi wote ili kwa pamoja tushiriki katika ujenzi wa Zanzibar mpya.

4. Kijamii: Kuondoa hali ya utengano na kutoaminiana miongoni mwa wafuasi wa vyama tofauti vya siasa na kuwafanya wapendane na washirikiane katika shughuli zote za kijamii wakijua kuwa wote ni wananchi wa nchi moja.

Tukizitumia vyema faida hizo zilizoletwa na maridhiano, tutaweza pia kuzitumia vizuri fursa zilizopo mbele yetu ili kuyabadili maisha ya watu wetu. Binafsi naamini kuwa sasa ile ndoto yetu ya muda mrefu ya kuifanya Zanzibar kuwa ni Hong Kong ya Afrika Mashariki itaweza kutimia ndani ya muda mfupi kabisa. Naamini Wazanzibari wote sasa watakunjua nyoyo zao na kila mmoja atapigana kikumbo na mwenzake katika kuona anatoa mchango mkubwa zaidi wa kuikwamua Zanzibar katika umasikini ambao hauna sababu ya kuwepo. Ubunifu na ari ya kutenda ni sehemu muhimu ya utamaduni wa Mzanzibari.

Zanzibar ina utajiri mkubwa wa watu wake wenye vipaji na nafasi kubwa kubwa katika kila pembe ya dunia. Hawa tukiwatumia vyema na kuwapa fursa wanaweza kutoa mchango mkubwa kwa kushirikiana na Wazanzibari wenzao walio ndani kuijenga upya Zanzibar .

Tukijituma na kujitutumua itakiwavyo, Zanzibar inaweza kurudia nafasi yake ya kuwa kituo kikuu cha biashara na harakati za uchumi katika Afrika Mashariki na Bahari ya Hindi. Zanzibar ina nafasi ya kuwa kituo kikuu cha huduma katika eneo hili. Tunataka kuona Uwanja wa Ndege na Bandari ya Zanzibar zinakuwa tena mlango wa kuingilia na kutokea Afrika Mashariki. Tunataka na tunapaswa kuona ndege za mashirika ya kimataifa zikitua na kuruka kutokea Zanzibar na pia meli zikitia nanga na kung’oa kupitia Zanzibar . Tunaweza kuvutia wawekezaji wa ndani na nje ya nchi kuja kuwekeza Zanzibar kwa kuanzisha viwanda ambavyo vitatoa ajira kwa vijana wetu na pia kusaidia kuifanya Zanzibar izalishe na kuuza nje bidhaa. Tukizitumia vyema fursa zilizopo Zanzibar itakuwa johari na siyo tena jeraha katika Afrika. Vijana wetu wasio na ajira watapata ajira zenye kipato cha kuwatosha wao na familia zao. Mababu zetu waliweza huko nyuma na sisi tunaweza tena ikiwa tutaikumbatia fursa ya maridhiano tuliyo nayo. Tusiruhusu kidudu mtu yeyote akaingia kati kuturudisha kule tulikotoka.


MARIDHIANO NA CHANGAMOTO ZAKE

Wakati tukizungumzia faida na fursa hizo, tuna pia changamoto kadhaa zinazoyakabili maridhiano haya. Miongoni mwa changamoto hizo ni pamoja na:

1. Matumaini makubwa yaliyojengwa na Wazanzibari bila ya kujali vyama vyao wakiamini kwamba hatua ya viongozi wawili wakuu wa kisiasa kukutana na kukubaliana kuzika tofauti zao itapelekea mabadiliko makubwa katika maisha yao na ujenzi wa mustakbali mpya wa nchi yao .

2. Viongozi wabinafsi kutoka pande zote mbili wanaojali maslahi yao zaidi kuliko maslahi ya nchi na watu wake ambao wameanza kufanya fitina zenye lengo la kuyavuruga mafanikio yaliyopatikana.

3. Muda mfupi uliopo kabla ya kufanyika kwa uchaguzi mkuu ujao ambapo Maridhiano yanapaswa yawe yamejengewa msingi wa kuhakikisha kuwa yanaimarika na kuendelezwa..

Binafsi nimekuwa nikitafakari sana changamoto hizi na naamini tunapaswa kuzitafakari na kuzijadili kwa lengo la kuona tunazikabili vipi. Ni maoni yangu kuwa tukifanya haraka ya kukimbilia uchaguzi ambao nilishaeleza hapo awali kwamba umekuwa ndiyo chanzo cha kuvurugika kwa umoja wetu, kuna hatari ya kuyapoteza yote niliyoyaeleza.. Hatuwezi kukwepa uchaguzi maana ndiyo njia ya kidemokrasia ya kuwapata viongozi wetu lakini tumeshafanya chaguzi saba za vyama vingi Zanzibar , nne kabla ya Mapinduzi na tatu tokea 1992, na zote zimeshindwa kutupa umoja. Kwa Zanzibar na katika kipindi hiki, maridhiano ni muhimu zaidi kuliko uchaguzi. Tutapaswa kwenda katika uchaguzi lakini naamini tutakuwa na uchaguzi mzuri zaidi baada ya kufanikiwa kujenga msingi madhubuti wa maridhiano.

Hatuwezi kukwepa ukweli kwamba wapo watu wanaokodolea macho fursa ya kutaka kuchukua madaraka ya juu ya Zanzibar , yaani nafasi ya Urais na ambao hawayapendi maridhiano. Miongoni mwao wako wanaotumia vyombo vya habari kukuza habari za kuleta chokochoko na kuzibana taarifa zenye mtazamo wa umoja. Wako pia waliotuma ujumbe kwenda Tanzania Bara kueneza uzushi kwamba lengo la maridhiano haya ni kuvunja Muungano. Watu wa aina hii hawawezi kuisaidia Zanzibar na kwa hakika ni maadui wa umoja wa Wazanzibari.

Kwa msingi huo basi, na baada ya kutafakari, mimi binafsi naungana na wale wanaotoa wito wa kuchukuliwa hatua ya kusogeza mbele kidogo uchaguzi mkuu wa Zanzibar wa mwaka huu kwa kipindi cha kati ya mwaka mmoja au miaka miwili ili kutoa nafasi kwa Rais Amani Karume kuchukua hatua zaidi za kukamilisha kazi njema aliyoianza. Naelewa mwenyewe juzi katika hotuba yake ya kilele cha sherehe za Mapinduzi amesema kwamba anakamilisha kipindi chake na Katiba ya Zanzibar hairuhusu kipindi cha tatu. Nakubaliana naye na sipendekezi kuondolewa kwa ukomo wa vipindi viwili kwa mtu anayeshikilia madaraka ya Urais wa Zanzibar . Ila namuomba sana akubaliane na matakwa ya Wazanzibari walio wengi kama yalivyokwisha oneshwa kupitia taarifa na kauli mbali mbali kwamba kipindi chake cha pili tukiongeze muda kidogo ili tusiipoteze fursa ya kihistoria ambayo ameianzisha yeye.

Natoa wito kwa wajumbe wa Baraza la Wawakilishi wa pande zote mbili, Serikali na Upinzani, kulitafakari hili na kutupa Wazanzibari kile tunachokitaka. Kwa upande mwengine, nawaomba Wazanzibari tuungane pamoja kumtaka Rais Amani Karume aweke upande dhamira yake ambayo najua anaiamini sana ya kuondoka madarakani mwaka huu na badala yake akubaliane nasi juu ya haja ya kuendelea kuubeba mzigo huu tunaotaka kumtwisha na atuvushe pale ambapo waliomtangulia walishindwa kutuvusha.

Ahsanteni sana.


Source: Jamii Forums

Rais Karume aupongeza Muafaka wake na Maalim Seif

Ni katika hotuba yake ya kuadhimisha miaka 46 ya Mapinduzi huko Pemba. Dondoo muhimu ya hotuba hiyo ni kama zifuatavyo:-

1. Amesema hatogombea tena kwa mujibu wa katiba.

2. Ameupongeza muafaka wake na Maalim Seif na kusifu matokea mema yake ya awali.

3. Ametumia lugha ya kistaaranu iliyojaa hekima na busara, huko nyuma zilikuwa ni mafumbo na vijembe.

4. Amezungumzia issue zote muhimu kwa mustakabali wa Zanzibar

5. Amezungumzia Muungano ni Dhima.

6. Ametoa hakikisho la Uchaguri huru na wa haki.

7. Wenye sifa wote, wataandikishwa. ZEK itapitisha tena uandikishaji upya.

8. Wote wenye sifa za kupata ZID, watapatiwa na wote wenye ZID walionywima kwenda kuzichukua, wakazichukue.

9. Kwa ujasiri mkubwa na lugha ya kistaarabu sana, ameyaomba gesi na mafuta yao, yawe yao, kama ilivyo bara na dhahabu yetu.

10. Amemsifu sana Rais Kikwete, na kumalizia kwa ile ile kauli Adhimu "Mapinduzi Daima".

Chanzo: Jamii Forums

Miaka 46 Gizani

Leo ni sikukuu ya Mapinduzi ambapo yanatimiza miaka 46, tofauti na miaka iliyopita sherehe za mwaka huu zinafanyika gizani. Katika kusherekea sherehe hizo kitaifa zitafanyika kule kwenye matatizo ya muda mrefu ya giza na action za kelele za jenereta.
Kila la heri katika kusherekea mapinduzi

Mapinduzi Daima

Mapacha Walioungana Wazaliwa Zenji...

Mwanamke mmoja mkazi wa Zanzibar, Farihati Maulid (18) amejifungua watoto pacha wa kiume walioungana.

Mwanamke huyo alijifungua kwa njia ya upasuaji katika Hospitali ya Mnazi Mmoja jana saa tatu asubuhi na mapacha hao wako katika chumba cha uangalizi maalumu.

Mkunga wa hospitali hiyo, Halima Habiba Abdallah, na Dk. Mwana Omar ambaye ni Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Uzazi, wakizungumza kwa nyakati tofauti, walisema tukio hilo ni la kwanza kwa muda mrefu katika hospitali hiyo wanaendelea kupata ushauri kutoka kwa wataalamu wengine wa afya.

Pacha hao wana moyo mmoja, na wameunganika kuanzia kwenye kitovu hadi kwenye mfupa wa kidari.

“Tunasubiri wataalamu kufanya uchunguzi zaidi, lakini kwa sababu wana moyo mmoja na wana uzito wa kilo 2.8 itakuwa ngumu kuwatenganisha na kupona, haijulikani ni viungo gani vingine kila mmoja anavyo vya peke yake,” alisema Dk. Omari.

Habari zaidi zinasema mama wa watoto hao ni mkazi wa Mwanyanya, Bububu katika Manispaa ya Zanzibar na mimba hiyo ilikuwa ya kwanza.

Zenjiflava: Mtandao Mpya.....

Mtandao mpya umefunguliwa kwa ajili ya kuleta habari tofauti (muziki, matukio, mitindo, utamaduni, burudani na kadhalika) kutoka Zanzibar na Pemba. www.zenjiflava.com

Kwa wale ambao wanataka kutuma habari zao zinazohusu Zanzibar na Pemba ili ziwekwe kwenye mtandao, naomba mtumie barua pepe hizi: info@zenjiflava.com au zenjiflava@hotmail.com

Kwa wale ambao wanataka kupiga soga (online chat) huku mkicheki habari mbalimbali kwenye tovuti basi mnabidi mjiunge kwanza. Mkiangalia kwenye mtandao, hapo juu kulia mtaona majina ya watu mbalimbali waliojiunga ambao wako LIVE wanapiga soga, ukigonga katika jina basi utaweza kuongea nao.

Mzee Rashid Mfaume Kawawa Ametutoka....

Rashid Kawawa wa pili toka kushoto.

Waziri Mkuu wa Tanganyika na mpigania huru wa Tanganyika na Muasisi wa Muungano mzee Rashid Mfaume Kawawa amefariki dunia. Habari ambazo zinatiririka taratibu kutoka vyanzo mbalimbali zinadokeza kuwa mzee Kawawa amefariki dunia leo na mpango wa kulitangazia taifa msiba huu mkubwa uko mbioni na wakati wowote kuanzia sasa Rais Jakaya Kikwete atalihabarisha taifa juu ya msiba huu wa kitaifa wa mmoja wa viongozi waliopendwa na waliolitumikia taifa kwa muda mrefu. Mzee Kawawa alikuwa ni swahiba wa karibu zaidi wa baba wa Taifa Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere.

Mzee Kawawa alizaliwa Mei 27 , 1926 huko Songea kijiji cha Matepwende mkoani Ruvuma. Alianza elimu ya msingi huko Liwale Lindi. Aliendelea na elimu ya kati (middle school) hapo Dar-es-Salaam school ambapo mmojawapo wa wanafunzi wengine ni marehemu mzee Kanyama Chiume mpigania uhuru toka Malawi aliyeishi uhamishoni nchini Tanzania kwa muda mrefu. Wengine katika shule hiyo wakati huo ni pamoja na kina Abdul Sykes, Ali Sykes, Hamza Aziz na Faraji Kilumanga.

Aliendelea na masomo yake huko Tabora Boys kati ya 1951-1956. Alikuwa ni Waziri Mkuu wa Tanganyika mwaka 1962 wakati Mwalimu Nyerere alipoamua kwenda mikoani kujenga chama na kufanya shughuli za kisiasa. Baadaye aliteuliwa tena kuwa Waziri Mkuu mwaka 1972-1977 na akawa miongoni mwa wahamasishaji wakubwa wakati wa vita ya kumng'oa nduli Idi Amin ambapo alitembelea wapiganaji wetu waliokuwa mstari wa mbele kule Uganda. Hii ilimpatia jina la "Simba wa Vita" jina ambalo lilimkaa vyema kwa muda mrefu.

Kabla ya kuingia katika harakati za kupigania Uhuru Mzee Kawawa alikuwa ni miongoni mwa waanzilishi wa Shirikisho la Wafanyakazi mwaka 1955 ambapo alichaguliwa kuwa Katibu wake Mkuu wa kwanza. Ni katika nafasi hii ndiyo aliweza kuanza kushiriki kwa nguvu zaidi katika harakati za kupigania uhuru wa Tanganyika akihamasisha wafanyakazi. Kabla ya hapo alikuwa ni Katibu Mkuu wa Shirikisho la Wafanyakazi wa Serikali.

Februari 1956 Mzee Kawawa aliacha kazi yake ya Shirikisho la Wafanyakazi kutokana na kuwa mwajiriwa wa serikali kitu ambacho kilimkataza kuhusisha na siasa na kuamua kuingia katika harakati za kudai uhuru kupitia TANU. Alikuwa Mjumbe wa Kamati Kuu ya TANU mwaka 1957, Makamu mwenyekiti wa TANU mwaka 1960.

Mwaka 1964 baada ya Muungano Mzee Kawawa alikuwa ni Makamu wa Pili wa Rais akiwa ni msaidizi wa Rais wa Muungano kwa upande wa mambo ya Bara.
Katika siasa amewahi kushika nafasi mbalimbali ikiwemo ile ya Ukatibu Mkuu wa Chama cha Mapinduzi na Makamu Mwenyekiti wa CCM na amekuwa mjumbe wa kudumu wa Kamati Kuu ya CCM.

Mzee Kawawa alikuwa ni mtoto wa kwanza kati ya watoto nane na mojawapo ya kazi zake za awali ilikuwa ni uchezaji wa filamu za uhamasishaji na akawa ndiye mcheza filamu wa kwanza kiongozi mweusi (lead actor).

Mzee Kawawa alikimbizwa hospitali hapo jana kutokana na hali yake kuwa mbaya na kulazwa katika chumba cha wagonjwa mahututi; ambapo mapema leo asubuhi alifariki dunia. Mipango ya mazishi inaandaliwa.

Mungu ailaze roho ya Marehemu Pema Peponi,Amin

Source: Jamiiforums

Karibu Zanzibar

Leo ni siku ya kuzaliwa kwangu....

Katika siku hii, napenda jumuike pamoja katika kushereheka....
Pichani chini ni sehemu ya kuuzia nyama hapo Marikiti kuu.

Sign board...

RAFIKI YANGU - OCG

Mdau mkubwa wa Vituko vya Zenj ametoa video ya wimbo wake wa Rafiki yangu... Wadau wote wa Blog hii burudikeni na kibao hicho....

Zanzibar Historical Events: 1900-2000

1901 January
Tea: the first packet of tea made in East Africa was packed in Dunga. The leaves were the first products of the garden that was laid out there in 1899. It was manufactured with such appliances as were to hand, rolled on the deal table, sun-dried, and fired with ordinary charcoal stove.

1901 August
The first bulk oil installation started in Zanzibar following the completion of tank and pier at Mtakuja.The tank for reception of petroleum in bulk was
erected by Messrs. Smith Mackenzie and Co. the Agent for Shell Transport and Trading Company Limited.The installation was most complete comprising also of a factory for the manufacture of kerosene oil tins.

1901 September 18
The first Zanzibar street band was formed by the local bandsmen who were discharged by the Sultan. The band was available for social events.

1903
The first newspaper in Zanzibar "Samachar" was printed. It was later reorganized as a daily paper with the first appearing on Monday August 21, 1905.Later on several newspapers were published in Zanzibar.

1903 September 26
A powerful light house at Kigomasha in Pemba and that of Chumbe were opened. The light houses were constructed by the Public works Department. Great improvements took place to the Zanzibar light houses from the beginning of 1900 by converted to a flashing system of A.G.A. i.e. the sun valve control hereby the lights are extinguished shortly after dawn and relit before sunset automatically.
The first modern market in Zanzibar was opened at Darajani and named Estella Market of commonly known as Marikiti Kuu. Estella , Countess Cave was a sister of General Sir Lloyd Mathews then First Minister and Consul General of Zanzibar. Opened by Sultan Ali bin Hamoud, credit is due to Mr. Bomanjee Maneckjee, the Minister for Public Work who turned an old ruined site into a building of a considerable architectural beauty.

1904
A powerful light house at Kigomasha in Pemba and that of Chumbe were opened. The light houses were constructed by the Public works Department. Great improvements took place to the Zanzibar light houses from the beginning of 1900 by converted to a flashing system of A.G.A. i.e the sun valve control hereby the lights are extinguished shortly after dawn and relit before sunset automatically.

1904 July 18
Sultan Hamoud bin Mohammed died and Seyyid Ali bin Homoud took over the throne. Ali was the youngest Sultan to take over the throne at the age of 18. He was the first Sultan to have western education and was very much influenced by the western culture by his dresses, food and language.

1904 August
The French Post Office of Zanzibar was closed.French Consular post office issued stamps of various denominations of Peace and Commerce which were issued by the French Metropolitan Government between 1876 and 1900.

1905
The first Government School started in Zanzibar through the initiative of Sultan Ali bin Hamoud accommodated mainly the Royal Family and Upper Class Arabs. This school was later on became Town Boys Primary School at Darajani.
The famous Bububu Railway was built by an American firm. The 7 mile Railway connected Bububu and Forodhani consisted of a 3 ft gauge light track. It was sold to the Government in 1911. The Railway stopped its passenger service in July 1922 and used for the haulage of stone for the harbor works. The engines and the rolling stock of Bububu Railway completed their journey in August 31,1929.

1905 September
Electric light and power was supplied within a radius of 5 miles from the Sultan's Palace. The plant was installed by Mr. J. A. Jones of New York, and thereafter the streets of Zanzibar town lit with electricity much earlier than other streets in London which were still to make do with gas lamp.

1906 July 04
The Official switching on of the electric light in the Streets of Zanzibar town. This was the first time in the history of any town in East Africa. Indeed,Telephone services in public use and private with switchboard installed at the Old Fort. The facilities were installed by an American Company and hence opened in the Independence day of America.

1907
Zanzibar Army was disbanded and the defence of the country entrusted to two companies of King's African Rifles [KAR].
The official opening of Shangani Post Office. The British Post al Services started in1873 in the Mackenzie Building and in 1895 December the service took a more formal charge when it joined into the Postal Union. Meanwhile the Zanzibar first postage stamps appeared on September 20, 1896 printed by the firm of the De la Rue.

1907 December 10
Official opening of the wireless telegraphy services at Mnazi Mmoja. This first wireless telegraphy in East Africa was opened by Mrs. Cave, the wife of then British Consul General. The service connected Zanzibar and Pemba within a few minutes was another red letter I the annals of Zanzibar.

1908 January
The silver Rupee of British India made the standard coin of the Protectorate and Zanzibar currency notes issued.Final abolition of the Consular court's of Zanzibar of the various powers. All subjects, irrespective of nationality, thus became amenable to British jurisdiction.

1908 May 13
The Zanzibar Court of Justice at Vuga was officially opened. The building is a fine piece of Saracenic architecture, the creation of Mr. J. H.Sinclair. And the dome surmounting the clock tower and the vista of arches are a distinct addition to the place.

1908
The first currency Decree was promulgated and provided for and issue of the first Zanzibar currency Notes.
The first car came to Zanzibar. This Germany made car "Daimler" was used by Sultan Ali bin Hamoud. The motor car for passengers started in 1927 when the trial was made for three cars: Morris Cowley, Citroen and Fiat each carrying for passengers to Mangapwani.

1911 December
Seyyid Ali bin Hamoud visited England to attend the Coronation of His Majesty King George V. Whilst in Europe he abdicated and decided to leave in Paris where he died in 1918.
Seyyid Khalifa bin Haroub ascended the throne of Zanzibar and his coronation was held at the House of Wonder. He wa the longest Sultan to rule Zanzibar from 1911-1960.

1913
Control of Zanzibar Sultanate passed from the Foreign Office to the Colonial Office.

1914 January
Control of Zanzibar transferred formally from Foreign Office to Colonial Office. The new post British Resident an Chief Secretary were created. Major F.B. Pearce was made the first British Resident and J. H. Sinclair became the first Chief Secretary.

1914 August
The first World War was started. Zanzibar declared war on Germany and the Treaty of Zanzibar with Germany lapsed.

1914 September
H.M.S. Pegasus the British Ship sunk in Zanzibar Harbor by the German Cruiser "Koningsberg".

1915 July
The Zanzibar Theater Cinema House at Darajani Bridge was opened in Saturday. The first installment of the serial Elmo the Mighty in which Elmo Lincoln and Lucile Love the beautiful and talented favorite, figure in exploits of sensetial adventures was successful screened before a crowded house.

1916 August
The first naval airplane to Zanzibar landed during the period of the first world. The Eastern African campaign during the War saw the novel use of aircraft in naval operations. Majority of these aircraft's had underpowered engines and wooden airframes which were prone to severe problems in the tropical climate. Sultan Khalifa bin Haroub was the first Arab ruler to view his kingdom from the air by flying the aircraft piloted by Lt. J. Cull of Royal Navy Air Service.

1917 March
The Darajani bridge was opened by J. H. Sinclair, then British Resident replacing the old wooden bridge. The bridge was designed by Mr. Crawleys the Director of public work The bridge was a connecting link between the town peninsular and the main island. The bridge was of 2 spans with a total length of 70 feet by 20 feet wide.

1918
The first motor lorry two-ton-Daimler to Zanzibar was bought by Public Works Department. It was used for the construction of various roads in the country side.

1918 November
Armistice signed and the First World War ended.

1920 July
Zanzibar experienced the closure of of the International Maritime bureau established in 1892 for the purpose of centralization of information relating to native vessels and slave trade in general.

1923
The new standard measure of weight and capacity were made: A Pound being standard measure of weight in I, A gallon as standard measure of capacity, A Yard as standard measure of length and Square Yard as a standard measure of surface.

1923 June
Service of the two Companied of the K.A.R discontinued and the defence of the country entrusted to the Zanzibar Police Department.

1925 December
The first tractor arrived in Zanzibar. The tractor named the Guy Roadless Tractor of 19 horse power is what termed technically as a half -track vehicle. It was used for construction of roads and its first trials took place at Kidimni-Ndagaa road construction.

1926 March
Executive and Legislative councils constituted and the Zanzibar Protectorate Council, formed in 1914 abolished. The establishment of these bodies was in line with the British Policy to start with the system of rule of Law. The Legislative council was later on became the Parliament and Executive Council became Cabinet of Minister.
The first session of the Zanzibar Legislative Council opened by His Highness Khalifa bin Haroud, the Sultan of Zanzibar.

1927 January
The first British Official messages were received at the Zanzibar Station. The receiver installed was by the Marconi Company Ltd. designed for reception of good headphone signals in any part of the world of all high power continues wave stations.

1928 March
Siti bt Saad realized her first record of Taarab music. Siti and her band signed a recording contract with AbdulKarim Hakim Khan His Masters' Voice Agent in Zanzibar to go to Calcutta India to record their music. Siti became the first women in East Africa to record her music and the first person to ever record and release song in Kiswahili.

1929 July
First step was taken to improve the quality of cloves for export by subjecting them to compulsory inspection in accordance with the provisions of the Agricultural Produce Decree.

1929 October
Zanzibar census Report was published.
The harbor works was formally handed over to His Highness on behalf of the Zanzibar Government by Mr. H. H. G. Mitchell, the consulting Engineer of Messrs Coode, at the ceremony held at the entrance of Harbor works in the presence of a large gatherings.

1929 November
Malindi Harbor opened. The harbor was designed by Col. G.T.Nicholson- Harbor advisory Engineer to the Union of South Africa. It had many facilities including a fresh water main with hydrants to supply to the ships and pipe to convey the oil to and from ships alongside.

1929 December
Commencement of dimming electric lights at 8.00 p.m to give time signal.

1930
Zanzibar first aerodrome was constructed at Dunga. The strip was 800 yards by 150 yards was used only for light and medium size aircraft.

1930 April
The first commercial plane landed on Zanzibar. The plane was piloted by Captain T. Campbell Black, Managing Director of the then Wilson's Airways Ltd. By communicating with Police Station at Ziwani he pilot managed to land on Mnazi Mmoja Golf Course on Monday at 10.00.

1931 March
The first overseas air mail arrived at Zanzibar by the then inaugurated African air mail services. It was posted in London on the 27th February, reached Kisumu on 10th March and arrived at Zanzibar after five days.
Likewise the first air mail correspondence from Zanzibar to outside world was dispatched on Friday 5th June 1931at 7.00 a.m

1932 February
First cinema talkie exhibited in Zanzibar at the Royal Cinema.

1935 March
The official opening ceremony of the new high pressure water supply at Mwanyanya (Bububu) by sultan Khalifa bin Haroub to supply water to the town of Zanzibar and Ng'ambo.

1936 January
The substitution of East African currency for Rupee currency i.e. the new Shilling currency came into force following the establishment of the common East African Currency Board. Postage stamps of new denominations were introduced.

1936 February
Serious riot of Manga Arabs (commonly known as Vita Vya Wamanga or vita vya Mbata) broke out in the town of Zanzibar. The cause of it was in the application of Alliteration of Produce Decree. The Inspector of Police was killed four rioters were killed and several other people wounded. Great alarm prevailed in Zanzibar and all shop was closed.

1937 December 21
Official Opening ceremony of Jubilee Gardens at Forodhani laid out by Government to celebrate silver Jubilee Of His Late Majesty King George V and the memorial erected thereon by public inscriptions to celebrate the silver Jubilee of Sultan Khalifa bin haroub.

1946
The first African, Sk. Ameir Tajo was appointed to join the Legislative Council to represent the African majority in this law making body.

1947 December
For the first time in Zanzibar's history a Bull and Donkey shaow was held at Mnazi Mmoja under the auspices of the Zanzibar Society for revention of Cruelty to Animals.

1948 August
The employees of the African Wharfage Company went on strike and Zanzibar was faced with complete paralysis of loading and unloading shipping cargoes.

1948 September
Zanzibar witnessed an unprecedented strike in its history. All African employees including domestic employees and Ayahs went on strike in sympathy with the African Wharfage dock hands. The African Labor's of P.W.D. and Sweepers joined in the Strike. All shops were closed and business was at standstill.

1949 December
For the first time Gossage Cup Football match was played at Seyyid Khalifa Sports Grounds (Mnazi Mmoja?) between Uganda and Tanganyika which resulted in a draw. The following day Kenya beat Zanzibar by three goals to two in a good exciting match. Tangnyika beat Kenya two nil in a final match.

1951 July
A serious riot broke out as a result of the opposition of the cattle owners of Kimbe Samaki for compulsory inoculation against Anthrax, commonly known as Vita vya Ngombe. Twenty cattle owners were prosecuted an 19 sentenced to terms imprisonment. A crowd of sympathizer's after making ill-advised effort to realize the prisoner's as they were leaving the court, hurried to the jail bent on the same purpose and serious riot took place outside the prison.

1957
The first election to be held in Zanzibar. The elections were protested by both political parties and racial and religious organization but in the end, the election was really became a contest between ASP and ZNP. ASP won five out 6 seats.

1963 December
Zanzibar got its Independence and Mohammed Shamte Hamad became the first Prime Minister.But constitutionally it was declared the Sultan the Head of State and giving him more power to appoint his Successor.

1964 January
The Revolution took place to topple not only the ZNP/ZPPP Government but also the monarchy, under the Leadership of late Mzee, Abeid Amaan Karume. With the establishment of of a republic and a new coalition of classes in power, radical changes took places. In fact with the exception of Guinea no country in tropical Africa changed radically in so short time.

1964 March
Nationalization of Land and later distributed to the poor. This was a major reform program to change the society and the ownership of Land.

1964 April
The Republic of Zanzibar united with the Republic of Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Under new setup the late Julius Nyerere became the first President and Karume became the first Vice President of Tanzania respectively.

1964 September
Education was declared free for all. The declaration made a considerable changes in which the children from low class had opportunity to attend the schools.Zanzibar today is almost self- sufficient in man power.

1965 May
Decree to declare Zanzibara one Party State. Afro Shirazi Party was the sole Political Party until 1992 following the introduction of Multi Party system in Tanzania.

1966 October
The Bank of Tanzania Act: The establishment of Bank of Tanzania as Central Bank to provide for the Currency and other banking functions. The Tanzania Currency of and coins i.e. Tanzanian Shilling were issued for the former East African Shilling.

1972 April
The Assassination of the First President of Zanzibar and Chairman of Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Mzee Abbeid Karume at Kisiwandui, the Afro Shirazi Party Headquarters. Honorable Aboud Jumbe was appointed as President of Zanzibar and Chairman of Revolutionary Council.

1977 February
The inception of Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) At Amaan Stadium Zanzibar. Following the unity of Tanzanian Mainland, Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and Zanzibari Afro Shirazi Party Tanzania remained a one party state until 1992.

1980 January
The first 1979 Zanzibar Constitution came into force. Thereafter, member of first Commissioners of Election was appointed.

1980 November
The appointment of His Excellency Aboud Jumbe a President of Zanzibar and Chairman of Revolutionary council as per stipulation of new Zanzibar Constitution.

1984 January
The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of Revolutionary Council Alhaj Aboud Jumbe resigned from his post following the political crisis relating to Union issues and Alhaj Ali Hassan Mwinyi was appointed Interim President.

1984 April
Zanzibar General Election for Presidential election and Alhaj Ali Hassan Mwinyi was elected overwhelmingly majority and became the third President of Zanzibar. Mwinyi initiated trade liberation policy in Zanzibar.


Source: Jamii Forums

Zenj by Night

Mishikaki



Zanzibar Pizza

Tahadhari:- Zanzibar kuna Kipindupindu...

UGONJWA wa kipindupindu umeua watu watatu Zanzibar, wengine 20 wamelazwa katika kambi maalumu, Mtopepo visiwani humo.

Ugonjwa huo ulililipuka juzi katika shehia ya Chumbuni, nje kidogo ya mji wa Zanzibar.

Mkurugenzi wa Afya ya Jamii wa Wizara ya Afya na Ustawi wa Jamii, Juma Rajab,amesema,wagonjwa 20 wanapatiwa matibabu katika kambi ya wagonjwa wa kipindupindu iliyofunguliwa juzi.

Ingawa Rajab hakuwa tayari kuelezea tukio hilo kwa undani, alisema wauguzi na madaktari wanajitahidi kukabiliana na ugonjwa huo na pia kuchunguza chanzo chake.

Bw. Rajab, chanzo cha gonjwa hilo angalia hapa chini

Siku Aman Karume alipomtoa nishai Ali Karume...

Pichani Prezidenti wa Zenj akiweka wazi njia aliyoitumia kumzuia mdogo wake Ali Karume kuchaguliwa kuingia katika kinyang'anyiro cha uprez wa Jamhuri ya Muungano alipotembelea Finland mwezi wa tatu mwaka 2005.

Safari hii Aman Karume atakutana na kimbembe kama hiki, kwani Ali tayali ameshaweka wazi nia yake ya kumrithi, huku Nadhoda akionyesha nia kwa mbali ya kugombea kiti hicho, hivyo kumpa mtihani mkubwa Amani hapo 2010.

Shangani- Zanzibar

“SMZ iwache kushabikia na kuendeleza ubaguzi dhidi ya raia”

TAARIFA KWA VYOMBO VYA HABARI 29 Agosti 2009

“SMZ iwache kushabikia na kuendeleza ubaguzi dhidi ya raia”

Kufuatia taarifa iliyochapishwa jana na gazeti la The Guardian juu ya hatua ya Serikali ya Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar (SMZ) kuwalazimisha Wazanzibari wenye asili ya Kingazija kwenda kujisajili rasmi kama raia wa Watanzania, Chama cha Wananchi (CUF) kinatoa tamko lifuatalo:

“Kwanza ni kiwango cha juu cha ubaguzi na upotofu kwa SMZ kuendeleza sera zake za kibaguzi dhidi ya Wazanzibari wa makundi tafauti. Misingi hii ya kibaguzi ilianza kujengwa dhidi ya Wazanzibari wenye asili ya Pemba kwa kuwanyima fursa na haki kadhaa za msingi zikiwemo za kielimu, kiuchumi na kisiasa; na sasa baada ya kwisha kuwabagua Wapemba, SMZ inawageukia Wangazija. Serikali ya kweli ya watu haisimamii ubaguzi na utengano, bali mapenzi baina ya watu wake na mshikamano.

“Pili, kisingizio kinachotolea na SMZ kwamba huko ni kufuata sheria iliyotolewa kwa njia ya Dikrii ya Rais tangu mwanzoni mwa Mapinduzi ya Zanzibar na kwamba eti kwa kuwa hiyo ni sheria ambayo haijafutwa kwa hivyo haijatanguka, ni upotofu mwengine wa hali ya juu. Kwanza ilikuwa ni kosa kwa Rais Abeid Karume kutoa tamko hilo ambalo lilikuja kuwa dikrii, kwani aliingiza ugomvi wake binafsi na baadhi ya Wazanzibari waliokuwa na asili ya Kingazija katika masuala ya utawala na khatima ya wananchi. Pili, inasemwa kuwa Mapinduzi yalifanywa kwa lengo la kuwaunganisha Wazanzibari na kufuta misingi ya kibaguzi; kwa hivyo hiyo ilikuwa ni Dikrii iliyokwenda kinyume na misingi ya Mapinduzi na basi ilikosa uhalali tangu mwanzoni.

“Tatu, inaonekana uongozi wa SMZ hauijui hata hiyo jamii ya Wazanzibari unayoitawala. Haijifunzi ukweli kwamba ni mchanganyiko wa asili, makabila, mataifa na historia tafauti ndio ulioifanya Zanzibar kuwa Zanzibar waliyoipata wao (SMZ) kuitawala. Wanapowabagua watu ambao wameleta mchango mkubwa wa kuijenga Zanzibar kijamii, kielimu, kiutamaduni na kisiasa, inafaa Wazanzibari wajiulize tena na tena juu ya aina ya uongozi uliopo madarakani. Ni lazima serikali hii iwache kushabikia na kuendeleza ubaguzi dhidi ya raia.”

Imetolewa na:

Salim Bimani
Mkurugenzi wa Uenezi na Mahusiano na Umma, CUF

Mtazamo wa Watani wa Jadi katika Ndoa ya Zenj

Haya yanaweza kutokea Zenj...

Yanayoendelea Zanzibar(Vikaratasi vilivyo sambazwa mitaani)

Wapemba watangaza hujuma dhidi ya Masheha na Vingunge wengine...

Huko PBA mambo si shwari kabisa

Kuna madai ya kuibuka kikundi kinachoitwa Hujuma kwa Masheha, ambacho lengo lake ni kudhuru viongozi.

Kundi hilo linalofananishwa na Mungiki la Kenya, limeanza kutoa vitisho kwa kusambaza vipeperushi kwa baadhi ya masheha, kwamba wajiandae kupokea kipigo, huku sheha mwingine akionja adha ya kundi hilo kwa kupambana nalo.

Akizungumza jana, Ofisa Tawala wa Wilaya ya Wete, Khamis Juma Silima, alisema ofisi yake imepokea taarifa za kundi hilo, ambalo lina mrengo wa kisiasa kwa nia ya kuwadhuru masheha hao, kwa madai kuwa ndio kikwazo cha upatikanaji wa fomu za vitambulisho vya Mzanzibari Mkazi, ambazo ni kigezo cha kuandikishwa kwenye Daftari la Kusumu la Wapiga Kura.

Silima alisema masheha kadhaa wamepeleka malalamiko ofisini kwake katika siku za karibuni ya kupokea vipeperushi vya vitisho kuhusu utoaji fomu kwa wananchi wao.

Source: Habari Leo

Hamad Masauni, na Siasa za kukariri...

Anavyosema kuhusu Pemba ni tofauti sana na hali halisi ya huko Pemba..

Mwenyekiti wa Vijana wa CCM, Hamad Masauni Yusuf alisema ingawa hajui vigezo vilivyotumika katika utafiti, anaamini kuwa wananchi wengi bado wana kasumba kwamba CUF bado ina ngome kubwa kisiwani Pemba wakati hali sasa ni kinyume.

Alisema sio kweli kwamba, CUF wana nafasi kubwa ya kushinda urais kwa Zanzibar na pia huko Pemba na kwamba hali imebadilika kwa sasa akidai kuwa, wananchi wengi wamekata tamaa na viongozi wao na hivyo, CCM ina nafasi kubwa ya kushinda.

Kauli hizi na hali halisi ya huko Pemba ni sawa na kujisuta