Dr . Othman:True peace cannot exist without justice.

The First Vice President of Zanzibar, Honorable Othman Masoud Othman, emphasized that achieving peace in the country requires ” genuine faith ” and a true commitment to the principles of humanity, justice, and fairness, rather than being a seasonal endeavor aimed at gaining political favors. 

During a meeting on May 2, 2025, with a delegation from the Religious Leaders’ Committee focused on peace and stability in Zanzibar, he stressed the importance of these values for any authority advocating for true peace.

 He pointed out that respect from the public and success in maintaining a safe and stable nation depend on adhering to these fundamental principles. 

Honorable Othman urged political leaders and electoral commissions to act with integrity and fairness, asserting that if the Committee is genuinely committed to fighting for peace, it must confront those in power.

He illustrated his point by comparing the need for fairness in elections to the necessity of a referee acting justly in a football match, highlighting that true peace cannot exist without justice. 

Additionally, he called for the protection of community solidarity, national unity, and reconciliation, noting that his party’s supporters, including the late Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad, have exemplified the commitment to safeguarding this vital national treasure.

Among the distressing issues highlighted, it was noted that over 21,000 citizens have been deliberately denied their rights to the Zanzibar Resident Identification Cards, while foreigners and ineligible individuals receive them without any hassle, even avoiding the typical one-day back-and-forth process. Nonetheless, Mr. Othman expressed his support for the committee’s efforts, promising to offer assistance whenever needed to ensure national peace.

 Meanwhile, the Chief Mufti of Zanzibar, Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi, thanked Mr. Othman for his generosity and committed to addressing the suggestions and guidelines provided by him for the broader interests of the country.

 As the chair of the committee, Mufti Kaabi also prayed for Mr. Othman’s success in his duties, especially with the upcoming general elections on the horizon. 

In a related development, Mufti Kaabi officially presented Mr. Othman with a copy of the committee’s book titled “GUIDELINES FOR RELIGIOUS LEADERS ON ELECTIONS.” During the brief presentation, committee members Sheikh Thabit Nuuman Jongo and Bishop Kaganda voiced their concerns about the suffering and hardships faced by innocent citizens, particularly the elderly, women, and children, which include permanent disabilities.

They emphasized that these issues were the very reason for establishing the committee following the electoral disasters in the islands of Unguja and Pemba in the early 2000s, culminating in the formal gathering of religious leaders in 2004.

Sheikh Jongo expressed concern over the alarming number of individuals who have lost their sight and mobility, with some becoming permanently disabled, prompting questions about the underlying reasons for this situation.

He elaborated on the purpose behind the establishment of the committee. 

Meanwhile, Sheikh Khalid Ali Mfaume, the Executive Secretary of the Office of the Chief Mufti of Zanzibar, highlighted the committee’s mission to engage with key leaders and officials in the country. 

He noted that they have already met with the Zanzibar Electoral Commission (ZEC) and emphasized that the primary goal is to reflect on the historical context that led to the formation of this body, as well as to distribute a special book concerning the nation’s peace to the relevant stakeholders.

The discussions concluded with a prayer led by Sheikh Abdulla Talib Abdullah, the Executive Secretary of the Commission for Endowments and Trust Property in Zanzibar, and included other committee members from various religious institutions, with Deputy Chief Kadhi of Zanzibar, Sheikh Othman Choum, in attendance.