Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi has sworn in Mr. Othman Masoud Othman (OMO) as the First Vice President, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to drive reconciliation and economic growth. The swearing-in ceremony took place at State House on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, and was attended by various government and religious leaders from both sides of the union. Dr. Mwinyi stressed that the Government of National Unity (GNU) exists to drive reconciliation, not divide political spoils.
The reconciliation between the ruling CCM and the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo was achieved on July 9, 2026, without external involvement, according to Dr. Mwinyi. He expressed pride in this achievement, stating that it was accomplished by Zanzibaris themselves. The President reminded leaders and citizens that reconciliation marks the beginning of the major task of building Zanzibar, rather than the end of the journey. He emphasized that the new GNU will acknowledge political differences while prioritizing national interests.
Dr. Mwinyi outlined his priorities for the GNU, including accelerating economic growth through tourism, the blue economy, investment attraction, and infrastructure strengthening. He also promised to improve essential services such as health, education, water, and energy, while boosting youth employment and empowering women. The President thanked political parties, religious leaders, civil societies, and ambassadors for supporting the reconciliation and urged citizens to maintain unity for peace, stability, and development.
OMO, in his address after taking the oath of office, urged citizens to focus on the purpose of the GNU and to correct misinformed critics. He likened the GNU to a transport vehicle, stating that their journey is reconciliation and solidarity. OMO highlighted global shifts and urged Zanzibar to compete internationally for capital and trade, rather than relying on outdated ideology. He called for comprehensive reforms rather than piecemeal fixes and challenged political parties to select leaders who prioritize national interests.
OMO also emphasized the need for public servants to offer objective policy advice free of intrigue and rejected the "Togwa" philosophy of division. He pledged to serve Zanzibar with utmost dedication and invoked a local proverb about ringworm to stress the need for collective action. The First Vice President's address was well-received by attendees, who welcomed the new GNU and its potential to drive development in Zanzibar.
Various stakeholders have welcomed the swearing-in of OMO, describing it as a historic milestone that signals a fresh political chapter for Zanzibar. ACT-Wazalendo Elders wing national secretary, Ms. Janet Medad Fusi, stated that the transition presents a transformed political landscape for the archipelago. CCM Ideology, Publicity and Training Secretary Khamis Mbeto Khamis noted that the GNU is a constitutional requirement and emphasized that CCM is fully committed to cooperating with the administration.
A joint committee has been established to deliberate on shared agendas, with a three-month mandate to submit implementation recommendations. Zanzibar National Youth Council Chairman, Mr. Mohammed Abdurrahman Juma, expressed comfort in seeing the two parties govern collaboratively, urging the younger generation to focus on nation building rather than partisan divides. The swearing-in of OMO marks a significant step towards a more collaborative and development-focused government in Zanzibar.
Key points
- Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi swears in Othman Masoud Othman as First Vice President, emphasizing reconciliation and economic growth.
