Zanzibar’s First VP calls for honest retelling of nation’s history

Unguja. Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Mr Othman Masoud Othman, has underscored the importance of preserving the country’s full history—embracing both its triumphs and painful chapters.

Speaking on behalf of President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Mr Othman made the remarks on Friday, June 13, 2025, as the Guest of Honour at the commemoration marking the abolition of the slave trade.

The ceremony took place at the historic Anglican Cathedral in Mkunazini, Stone Town, a site recognised as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site.

“History must not be written with a political pen. Rather, it should be based on truth and justice, for the benefit of both current and future generations," he said.

The event marked 152 years since the June 6, 1873, declaration that officially ended the slave trade in Zanzibar and across the world.

Mr Othman underscored the importance of recognizing both the joys and the sorrows of history to inspire reflection and societal progress.

He pointed out that similar commemorations take place in countries such as Ghana, Senegal, and the Seychelles, as well as other coastal regions historically linked to the transatlantic slave trade.

The Vice President also noted that UN resolutions on the remembrance and prohibition of slavery stem from historical developments in Haiti.

These resolutions aim to ensure humanity never forgets the atrocities and consequences of slavery.

Highlighting local efforts, Mr Othman noted that since June 6 last year, the Zanzibar government has officially incorporated the commemoration into its tourism and heritage agenda.

This year’s event, held jointly with the Anglican Church, marks continued collaboration to preserve the memory of the slave trade.

“This partnership strengthens Zanzibar’s position in national and international heritage discussions. It has also expanded our engagement with global institutions on issues of historical preservation and dialogue,” he said.

The Vice President revealed that these efforts have led to greater cooperation with development stakeholders and increased participation in heritage artifact repatriation initiatives.

Zanzibar has also seen enhanced partnerships with research institutions in archaeology, geology, and historical studies, contributing to the preservation of early human history on the islands.

Restoration of historic buildings, improved standing on global heritage city lists, and growth in the heritage tourism sector were also cited as positive outcomes.

He noted that the government, through the Department of Museums and Antiquities, has begun identifying and preserving historical sites linked to the slave trade across Unguja and Pemba.

With support from the US Embassy, a bilingual Swahili-English book chronicling the history of slavery in Zanzibar has been published.

Additionally, Mr Othman commended the Government of Oman for supporting the restoration of key heritage sites, including the tombs of former rulers and buildings such as Beit al-Ajaib, the People’s Palace, and Kibweni Palace.

Plans are also underway to establish a museum honouring the late Abeid Amani Karume, Zanzibar’s revolutionary founder and first president.

“These commemorations are not political. They are academic and cultural platforms for dialogue, learning, and unified national memory,” he emphasised.

Zanzibar's Minister for Tourism and Heritage, Mr Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, welcomed the decision to host the global commemoration in Zanzibar.

He emphasized that the day serves not only as a remembrance of past injustices but also as an opportunity to showcase the nation's tourism potential.

Meanwhile, the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Tanzania, Most Rev. Fabian Maimbo William Mndolwa, urged governments and religious institutions involved in the slave trade—including the British government—to issue formal apologies.

He called for the end of modern forms of exploitation, including human trafficking disguised as overseas employment, linguistic colonialism, and the radicalisation of youth.

“Spiritual slavery is also a sin,” the Arch-bishop said. “And every form of slavery is rebellion against humanity and divinity,” he added.

He concluded by calling on all relevant authorities to uphold justice in the run-up to Tanzania’s 2025 General Election to ensure peace and prevent unrest.

The event was attended by senior government officials, religious leaders, and ministry representatives, including the Secretary of Zanzibar’s Revolutionary Council, Ms Zena Ahmed Said.