Isles’ students warn politicians on irresponsible utterances

A section of politicians and students from higher learning institutions in Zanzibar in a meeting to discuss peace ahead of general elections. (File photo)

HOW safe is the Union between Zanzibar and Tanganyika after general elections? This has been one of the crucial questions that emerged in some meetings organised by students from higher learning institutions in Zanzibar.

The main topic during the students meetings is their role in maintaining peace and stability during and after the upcoming general elections scheduled for October this year.

But some students have raised concerns over how politicians weigh ‘the 51-year old political union’ saying Tanzania could be torn apart in the near future.

“Politicians are in the forefront to threaten the existence of Union,” students Khalfan Omar and Ms Mariam Ali warn.

A number of meetings involving students from higher learning institutions have been held in various areas on Unguja and Pemba, where some students say that the proposed constitution has provided some solutions in addressing challenges in the union.

The proposed constitution, which may be approved through a referendum later this year is highly disputed by some politicians forming UKAWA who oppose the proposed constitution and promise immediate reform should UKAWA win the upcoming elections and form the next government.UKAWA leaders with Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad taking a pivotal role in Zanzibar, reject the current union structure of two governments saying it has been undermining the development of the Islands, while suggesting that “Zanzibar’s full autonomy (Mamlaka Kamili) is the only solution.”

Almost all Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Cadres who have applied to be nominated as union presidential aspirants are promising to ‘defend the union’, for the interest of Tanzanians.

Aspirants Mr Bernard Membe, Edward Lowassa, and Mr Samuel Sitta, have probably been the outspoken CCM cadres that they will deal, accordingly, with any person threatening the future of the union, but UKAWA’s Hamad says no one will stop changes wanted by Zanzibaris.

Mr Hassan Khamis, is one of the students who think statements from both UKAWA leaders and CCM paint a bad picture on the future of the Union, and that majority Tanzanians need a stronger union, as they believe each country can still prosper economically without necessarily breaking the union.

“I think many people are worried about the future of Tanzania, if politicians lead us to break the union we can never have it again. I think the state should have asked all politicians to use statements that promote union instead of threats of collapse,” Mr Khamis.

He said that although some candidates/politicians have distanced themselves from talking about the union, electorates should drive them to show their position on the union before polling day.

Students wish Tanzanians to elect leaders who would work diplomatically to address problems in the union while working hard to strengthening the unity that has existed beyond half a century.

“Whoever will win the next elections- Zanzibar and Union president, they must work together to safeguard the union. Individual persons and Civil Society Organisations (CSO) should help achieve the goal,” Mr Khamis emphasised.

Call on all youths to maintain peace and stability was a major resolution after the students meetings in Zanzibar, as participants in violence and unrests are young people including students.

During the recent meeting held in Bwawani Hotel in the Stone Town, students discussed that young people are always in the lead in unrests, therefore their role in peace remains crucial.

“Politicians rely heavily on youths in demonstrations and violence, therefore resist taking part in any protests that may move the country to instability,” Mr Kombo Muhammad said.

/Daily News.