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JF-Expert Member
- Aug 2, 2010
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Mohamed Raza
The government has been challenged to make sure that all key issues of the union, including areas of contention, are included in the new constitution review process for fruitful debate by both sides of the union.
Similarly, the new terms of reference of the union should take into consideration the views of the people from both sides as to what form of the union they want.
The challenge was given in Dar es Salaam yesterday by a prominent CCM cadre and former presidential advisor to former President of Zanzibar Dr. Salimin Amour, Mohamed Raza.
Citing an example of Zanzibar to be recognized internationally as an independent country, he said lack of recognition has denied Zanzibar many advantages, such as development aid from partner countries abroad.
He said Zanzibar and Tanganyika were two independent countries with equal status and that there is no need for one side to benefit more, belittle or underrate the other side.
He urged members of parliament from Zanzibar to stand firm and not be cowed by any government leader when debating union matters because they carry the views of all the people of Zanzibar.
The union is not for a few leaders to decide its form and structure, but rather it is for the people. Let the people access the new terms of reference and contribute their views on the kind of union they want, he said.
Citing an example of a statement made by the Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda in one of the parliamentary questions and answers session that Zanzibar was not a country, Raza said such statements were not constructive and aimed at weakening the union.
He said government leaders should be careful with irking statements that may end up destroying the union saying like any other marriage, for a strong union, there must be tolerance, negotiation and respect.
As a CCM cadre, I say the estates of the union are Presidents Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Dr. Ally Mohamed Shein and nobody else should step into their shoes to dictate the type of the union or belittle one part of the union he said.
By Gerald Kitabu, The Guardian