Zanzibaris Claim to be Sidelined in Dar es Salaam

{{A section of Zanzibaris living in Tanzania Mainland are worried of being side-lined in the constitutional making process, demanding that their status be categorically stated in the Supreme Law.}}

They want to be recognised as a special group, with citizenship rights for both Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar.

They claimed Zanzibar origin although they have lived in the Mainland for over 40 years. They said they were being side-lined when it comes to acquiring resident identification for Zanzibari (ZanID) or a passport in the Mainland.

Speaking during a symposium on the Draft Constitution and the future of Zanzibaris living in the Mainland, one of the speakers, Mr Saleh Al Miskiry, said the Draft was silent on their status and that they were worried about how the new Mother Law will identify them.

He said people of Zanzibari origin in the Mainland were currently estimated at a million in number.

Mr Ibrahim Gulam, another descent of Zanzibar said the Draft makes him feel like he does belong anywhere.

He said after living in the Mainland for several years, still he cannot possess a passport or a ZanID. “We feel neglected. The Draft Constitution is silent about us, and therefore we are suggesting that our status be clearly stated in the new Constitution,” he opined.

The symposium also supported the formation of a three-tier government system saying it would be a solution to the on-going problems and challenges facing the Union.

{NMG}