Tanzania's CCM, ACT-Wazalendo move closer to unity deal

The ruling CCM party in Tanzania has signaled a significant step towards political reconciliation, with its special committee in Zanzibar approving the continuation of dialogue and consensus-building efforts with the opposition ACT-Wazalendo party. This move paves the way for potential negotiations on forming a Government of National Unity.

Sources close to the discussions indicate that the talks have delved into substantial proposals, including the drafting of a new constitution for Zanzibar and the establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to scrutinize the conduct of the 2025 General Election. These potential reforms aim to address long-standing political and electoral challenges within the semi-autonomous region.

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We have agreed that there will be a joint statement between ACT-Wazalendo and CCM, which will be issued jointly and will outline the next steps.

CCM Zanzibar Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training, Mr Khamis Mbeto Khamis, confirmed that the party received a progress report on the dialogue, which is being overseen by former presidents. The Special Committee unanimously agreed that a joint statement will be issued by both CCM and ACT-Wazalendo to detail the progress and outline the next steps. However, the timing for this statement remains uncertain as final procedural arrangements are still underway.

The reconciliation process, which began in November 2025, involves key figures from both parties, including former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Dr Ali Mohamed Shein representing CCM, and ACT-Wazalendo chairman Othman Masoud Othman and former chairman Juma Duni Haji. The progress report was also discussed and approved by the CCM Central Committee on June 29, 2026, chaired by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

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