Power of ‘political will’ and its profound significance to peace and unity reconstruction in politically unstable societies: Lesson from President Hussein Mwinyi of Zanzibar

Zanzibar’s historically stagnant political development as far as a peaceful inclusive political environment is concerned is attributed to a lack of political will from both dichotomous fronts of Zanzibar politics. Although the semi-paleoconservative cadres still enjoy political strength within CCM Zanzibar, evidence suggests that the President’s political will is more powerful. Karume’s decision to change Zanzibar’s constitution to allow the Government of National Unity was not an easy attempt in 2010. The conservative Karume’s successors who previously opposed the introduction of GNU, disintegrated the formally established peaceful political environment due to a lack of political will and welcomed 10 years of new political turbulence. The current President in power, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi is trying to play both politics of negotiation and self-determination at the middle of the semi-paleoconservative CCM and the Zanzibar’s arrogant opposition to make sure a solution to political stability is realized.