Pemba. Zanzibar’s former First Vice President and ACT Wazalendo national chairman, Othman Masoud Othman, has called on Zanzibaris to remain patient, saying ongoing discussions on the future direction of Zanzibar are nearing conclusion.
Speaking in Wingwi Jamboni village in Micheweni District, North Pemba Region, on Sunday, April 25, 2026, Mr Othman said citizens would soon be informed of the outcomes and agreements reached through the talks.
He explained that a slight delay in concluding the discussions was caused by the absence of one of the key facilitators, who had been out of the country for over a month due to an emergency.
Despite this, he said substantial progress had already been made, noting that reaching the current stage required significant effort and commitment from all parties involved.
“It has not been easy to get to where we are today, but the intention has been clear, to ensure that the challenges Zanzibar has faced do not recur,” he said.
Mr Othman urged citizens to exercise patience, warning that some individuals continue to engage in acts of injustice despite religious teachings that condemn such behaviour.
He emphasised the importance of faith, dialogue and understanding in addressing national challenges.
Reflecting on the 2025 Zanzibar General Election, he said the country remained peaceful largely due to prayers and the patience of its people, even amid incidents of injustice reported during the period.
He added that restoring normalcy after such experiences requires collective responsibility, with citizens adhering to principles of patience and constructive dialogue to achieve lasting solutions.
According to Mr Othman, leaders in Zanzibar had since resolved to pursue dialogue and seek divine guidance in efforts to rebuild the country and prevent a repeat of past challenges.
He stressed that the talks have prioritised national interests over political or partisan considerations while respecting religious values.
The Friday sermon leader at the Jambo Nia village mosque, Sheikh Othman Ali Othman, echoed the call for patience, urging Muslims to remain steadfast when facing hardships.
He said patience is a central teaching in Islam, as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad, who endured challenges while spreading the faith.
Mr Othman is currently on an official political and social tour of Pemba and is expected to attend several engagements before returning to Unguja this week.
