The First Vice-President, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad, has said that more autonomy for Zanzibar in the future Union Government is unavoidable if Zanzibaris remain united in the ongoing new constitutional process.
Zanzibar First Vice-President, Seif Sharif Hamad
Mr Hamad said that Zanzibar’s demands for more or full autonomy in the Union were started by the late Abeid Amani Karume and taken over by his successors particularly Mzee Aboud Jumbe Mwinyi, Dr Salmin Amour Juma, and Dr Amani Karume.
“We must continue with the campaign for Zanzibar’s autonomy in the Union, because it is not a crime and we do not intend to break the Union.
Our voices should be heard, but we members of the upcoming constitution assembly must remain united in the best interest of Zanzibar,” said Hamad.
Mr Hamad, who is the Secretary General of the Civic United Front (CUF) made the statements when addressing party members at a public rally held at Muwanda in Donge Constituency, north of Unguja. He emphasized on team work.
The vice president is drumming up support for Zanzibar to have its own Central Bank, currency, foreign affairs ministry, citizenship and a seat in the United Nations. Hamad also wants the next constitution to mention clearly the boundaries of Zanzibar and the rotation of the Union government presidency.
He said that so far the process towards having a new Union constitution is on the right track. He praised President Jakaya Kikwete for accepting the opposition political parties’ calls for amendments in the constitution bill last month. However, Mr Hamad condemned an attempt by some unidentified youths in Donge to block the CUF rally on Sunday.
The youths piled up blocks, coconut tree logs and burned tires on the road to the rally ground before the police arrived and cleared the blockade.
A considerable number of CUF supporters attended the rally intended for reminding the people of Zanzibar, particularly legislators and people who may get the chance to become members of the constitutional assembly to be patriotic.
The CUF National vice chairman, Mr Machano Ali, and the acting deputy Secretary General Mr Hamad Masoud, also used the rally to call for unity among Zanzibaris ahead of the constitutional debate in a special assembly before the referendum.
By ISSA YUSSUF, Tanzania Daily News
