Decolonization through Revolution

After 1955 the people of Zanzibar formed political parties to struggle for independence. This was due to economic hardship and crisis in marketing cloves after WWII and colonial exploitation.

1. Zanzibar Nationalist party (Z.N.P) formed out of Arab association by Sheikh Al Mahsin Barwan 1955. It demanded Multiracial Zanzibar in order to get support from the Africans majority but in principle it served the Arab Minority.
2. Afro –Shiraz party (A.S.P) it was formed out of African association and Shiraz association in 1957. Sheikh Aman Karume was the chairperson and Thabit Kombo was a secretary. It was a racial party because it was supported by Africans from Zanzibar and mainland.
3. Zanzibar and Pemba People's Party (Z.P.P.P) was formed in 1959 by Shiraz racial group that had conflict with people of Mainland origin and ASP. It was formed by Mohamed Shante and Musa from Pemba and Tajo from Zanzibar.
4. UMMA Party; formed in 1963 by Abdurrahman Mohamed Babu, after splitting from Z.N.P.

1. To adjust social and economic inequalities between the African Majority and the Arab Minority.
2. To remove Sultan domination over Africans in Zanzibar.
3. To eradicate British colonial interest and destroy capitalism in Zanzibar.
4. To bring socialism in this there will be no exploitation of man by man.

1. Exploitation of Africans by the Arab's government, Africans were dissatisfied by Arabs Mass exploitation, so they decided to overthrow the government.
2. Economic difficulties caused by the Worldwide drop in price of cloves, This made government to reduce expenditure on social service, schools were closed, teachers became unemployed and medical facilities were cut down.
3. Historical differences and grievances between Arabs and Africans in Zanzibar, since the establishment of Arab administration and clove plantation in Zanzibar by Seyyid Said. Since then, the relation between Arabs and Africans determinate Arabs made Africans slaves.
4. Land alienation problem, Arabs owned large portion of fertile land and employed Africans as labors in cloves and coconut plantations. The Africans became helpless peasant, Fisher men and squatter in Arab farms. This facilitated revolution.
5. Monopolization of trade by the foreigners i.e. Asians monopolized commercial life in Zanzibar thus made people to fight.
6. British colonial legacy, The British left the Arabs to dominate all key sectors because they were their friend and puppets. Africans were less favored in employment opportunities example in civil services etc.
7. The role of John Okello, he mobilized people to do surprise attack and maintain secrecy.
8. Dictatorship of Mohamed Shamte, The government surprised the political right of Africans. E.g. Vigul to freedom of association.
9. Discrimination of Africans by the Arabs, Africans were not treated equally with the Arabs.

1. The Africans who had lost their land got it back. The government nationalized plantations and distributed among Africans to grow crops.
2. The government-built schools and colleges to provide educated freely up to university level.
3. The government promoted peoples' participation in government, hash ranking jobs which were held by the Arabs were given to Africans. To date the head of government is African.
4. The government built good houses in different areas and distributed them to people freely; they were built in Uelen, Chakechake, and Mkwajuni.
5. Transport: Government brought ships like MV Mapinduzi, MV Maendeleo to provide transport to the people, also government constructed roads to improve means of transport.
6. Before revolution, people of Zanzibar were known as citizen of Sultan but after revolution people were given citizenship of Zanzibar.
7. The union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar 26 April 1964. Strengths of the Zanzibar Revolution.
8. It removed the colonial regime from power by force.
9. It managed to adjust the social and economic inequalities in African country.
10. It manages to uphold the African dignity.
11. It managed to bring African independence.
12. It promoted unity and solidarity among the Africans.

1. Loss of lives during revolution process some people loose lives this is due to the use of dangerous weapons during the struggle that resulted to bloodshed.
2. Destruction of properties, such as infrastructures like offices and houses.
3. Fear and insecurity.
4. Low level of consciousness and political awareness.
5. Lack of clear political structures for movement organization.
6. Lack of patriotism.