Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has finalized the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU) Cabinet, marking a significant step towards strengthening unity and improving government efficiency. The new cabinet includes four ministers from the ACT-Wazalendo party, as part of a broader effort to promote cooperation and joint governance between the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and ACT-Wazalendo. This move follows the appointment of Othman Masoud Othman as First Vice-President.
The four ACT-Wazalendo ministers appointed to the cabinet are Nassor Ahmed Mazrui, Minister for Health; Omar Said Shaaban, Minister for Trade and Industrial Development; Dr Nasra Nassor, Minister for Tourism and Antiquities; and Dr Mohamed Ali Suleiman, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and Innovation. Additionally, Ali Suleiman Mrembo has been appointed as Minister for Labour, Employment, Youth and Empowerment. Several ministers have been reassigned to new portfolios, as part of the cabinet reshuffle.
Dr Saada Mkuya Salum has moved from the President’s Office, State House, to become Minister for Social Development, Elderly Affairs, Gender and Children. Former Blue Economy Minister Masoud Ali Mohamed has been appointed Minister of State in the President’s Office, State House, alongside Shaaban Ali Othman. Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga has taken over as Minister for Blue Economy and Fisheries, while Anna Athanas Paul has been appointed Minister in the Office of the First Vice-President.
Several ministers have retained their portfolios, including Dr Haroun Ali Suleiman, Minister responsible for Constitutional Affairs, Law, Public Service and Good Governance; Hamza Hassan Juma, Minister responsible for Policy, Coordination and the House of Representatives; Dr Riziki Pembe Juma, Minister for Information, Arts, Culture and Sports; and Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport. Other ministers retaining their positions include Ms Rahma Kassim Ali, Lands and Housing Development; Ms Lela Mohamed Mussa, Education and Vocational Training; Suleiman Masoud Makame, Agriculture, Irrigation, Natural Resources and Livestock.
The cabinet reshuffle also involves the transfer of the planning function from the Ministry of Finance to the President’s Office, and the merger of the labour portfolio with youth and empowerment affairs. Dr Mwinyi stated that the completed GNU structure would enable the government to focus on maintaining peace and unity, improving efficiency, and accelerating development. He expressed satisfaction with the previous Cabinet’s performance, adding that the latest changes aimed to improve efficiency and fulfil government commitments to the people of Zanzibar.
A Joint Dialogue Committee has been established to address challenges arising from the implementation of the GNU agreement and support stability and effective governance. Dr Mwinyi emphasized that the main expectation of the Government of National Unity is to maintain peace and unity, directing all efforts towards development instead of political disputes. The GNU agreement provides ACT-Wazalendo with four ministerial positions, following the appointment of Othman Masoud Othman as First Vice-President.
The new cabinet is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the government's goals, with a focus on development and service delivery. The appointments and reshuffle are seen as a significant step towards achieving the objectives of the Government of National Unity. Key appointments and changes have been made to ensure the effective implementation of the GNU agreement and to promote cooperation between the CCM and ACT-Wazalendo.
Key points
- Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi completes the formation of the Government of National Unity Cabinet.
- Four ministers from ACT-Wazalendo have been appointed to the cabinet.
- The cabinet reshuffle aims to improve government efficiency and promote unity.
