Othman Masoud: ACT-Wazalendo joined GNU to put Zanzibar first

London/Dar. Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman has said that ACT-Wazalendo’s decision to join the Government of National Unity (GNU) was driven not by political ambition, but by a deep sense of responsibility to restore Zanzibar’s future through unity, justice, and long-term vision.

Speaking to members of the Zanzibari Diaspora in London, Mr Othman offered a rare behind-the-scenes look at the political decisions that shaped the post-election power-sharing agreement following the 2020 General Election.

He emphasised that ACT-Wazalendo’s entry into the GNU was rooted in a desire to heal a tired nation and build a fair, forward-looking society.

“It was my vision and belief—and I believe the President too—that we can work together to rebuild this country, to lift it from the state where people are tired and the nation is worn out,” Mr Othman said. “After five years, this country could become a success story.”

In a candid address, Mr Othman recalled his first meeting with Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi on March 15, 2021, shortly after his appointment. He made it clear then, he said, that he had not come to compete but to collaborate.

“I told him, I am not here to challenge you,’” he recounted. “Let us unite the people. Let us build a foundation of justice and sustainable governance that will benefit generations to come.”

He also described how he wrote to the President outlining areas where ACT-Wazalendo could contribute meaningfully. He later convened his colleagues in ACT-Wazalendo and urged them to focus on national interest rather than party politics or leadership ambitions.

“Let’s move away from divisive politics,” he said. “Zanzibar needs a long-term plan. If the President can implement ideas that uplift Zanzibar, and if he sees areas to add more, we are ready to work with him long-term.”

Mr Othman further revealed that the party had not rushed into the arrangement. Instead, they held multiple meetings with President Mwinyi to present their proposals and vision for Zanzibar’s development. According to him, both sides committed to the partnership in good faith.

“We are all witnesses before Allah,” he said. “And the President too is a witness—that we committed ourselves for the good of the nation.”

However, Mr Othman expressed disappointment with the current state of political affairs in Zanzibar, suggesting that the initial goodwill has not yielded the expected transformation.

“It is clear our colleagues are heading south while we are going north,” he said. “We humbled ourselves, lowered ourselves—but here is where we are.”

He noted that ACT-Wazalendo had sought counsel from senior statesmen, retired leaders, and other influential figures in an attempt to keep the GNU functional and meaningful.

“There is no leader we haven’t sat down with. There is no voice of reason we haven’t consulted,” he said.

Despite frustrations, Mr Othman maintained that ACT-Wazalendo had not abandoned its mission.

“We haven’t given up,” he assured the diaspora. “We are continuing with this effort while also pursuing other avenues.”

The address comes at a time when political observers are closely watching the GNU’s stability, especially as questions grow around whether the spirit of collaboration that defined its early days still holds.