ZANZIBAR: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday urged Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and ACT-Wazalendo to honour the commitments made under their Joint Political Declaration, calling for continued dialogue, openness and mutual trust to safeguard unity, peace and national stability.
Speaking at the presentation of the Joint Political Declaration, signed earlier yesterday by CCM and ACT-Wazalendo at the State House in Zanzibar, President Samia described the agreement as a major step towards deepening political reconciliation and securing lasting peace in Zanzibar and across the country.
She said the declaration marks the beginning of renewed cooperation between the two parties, including the re-establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and discussions on the future of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.
“The stage we have reached today is an agreement to once again form the GNU and begin discussions on the future of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar. My appeal is that we continue to honour these commitments, sustain dialogue with openness and mutual trust, while safeguarding the principles of unity, peace, security and stability of our nation,” she said.
President Samia urged the signatories to protect the goodwill demonstrated throughout the negotiations through responsible actions, warning that the trust built over many years should never be undermined by divisive words or conduct.
“The wisdom we have demonstrated today should be protected through our actions tomorrow and the trust we have built over time should never be destroyed by words or behaviour that serve no useful purpose,” she said.
The President described reconciliation as a sign of political maturity rather than weakness, saying it creates an environment where unity, mutual respect and inclusive governance can flourish.
She said the commitment demonstrated by the leadership of CCM and ACT-Wazalendo had opened a new chapter in strengthening unity, peace and solidarity among the people of Zanzibar and the nation at large.
President Samia said citizens are more concerned with peace and development than prolonged political disputes, noting that they expect governments to deliver quality social services, expand economic opportunities and create jobs in a stable environment.
“Our people do not need violence or endless political confrontation. They need peace, security and stability. They want governments that provide quality social services, strengthen economic activities and expand employment opportunities,” she said.
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She added that Zanzibar’s experience under the Government of National Unity had shown that political cooperation creates favourable conditions for development.
“In places where politics is characterised by hatred and confrontation, the blessings of development disappear. But where there are respectful politics and reconciliation, development is given the opportunity to flourish,” she said.
Turning to broader issues of national security, President Samia warned against individuals who portray themselves as activists while engaging in actions that threaten peace and stability.
She said terrorism includes acts that seriously disrupt public order, destroy property and infrastructure, or seek to intimidate society and coerce governments into accepting political, ideological or religious demands.