Browsing by Author "Al-Mazrui, Ahmed Issa Omar"

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    Zanzibar-Oman relations: a historical perspective.
    (University of Dar es Salaam, 1996) Al-Mazrui, Ahmed Issa Omar
    The history of Zanzibar has enjoyed a world-wide attention for centuries. In fact a vast literature exist on Zanzibar past, dating back to 45 A.D. However, it is surprising to note that very little is known about the events that have taken place in Zanzibar since 1964. This study is one of the few pioneering works which have attempted to bring to light the events that have shaped the post-revolution Zanzibar. The central concern of this study, therefore, is to examine the deep rooted relations between Zanzibar and the Sultanate of Oman and the changing faces of these historical ties over time. The study reveals that the common culture and history between the two countries have made a permanent mark in the minds of the peoples of both countries and this has significantly contributed to the present renaissance of the ancient traditional links. The basic assumption of the study is that the relations between Zanzibar and Oman have remained remarkably close and generally cordial despite the bloodshed that accompanied the struggle for independence and the profound changes that have taken place in both countries. The study identifies some variables which have had profound impact on the contemporary manifestation of the Oman-Zanzibar relations. They are, the changes in international system, the deepening economic crisis in Zanzibar, the changes in leadership in both countries and finally the changes in the fundamental policies of the two countries. The study also establishes that the present Oman-Zanzibar relations are facing serious setbacks which threaten their very existence. The setbacks include: First, the legal controversy on Zanzibar's authority over its affairs; the controversy which was the outcome of the Articles of Union and the 1977 Union Constitution. Second, the reopening of the past wounds which have taken different forms and shapes. For example, equating opposition parties with the coming back of the exiled Arab rulers and former Sultan or with the reinstitution of slavery and monarchy in the Isles. And finally, the existence of the past memories and past hostilities in the minds of the peoples of these countries. All these setbacks have counterchecked any interest in closer ties between the sultanate and the Isles. It would take time and serious commitment before these wounds are healed, that commitment has not yet been shown. On the basis of these findings, the study concludes that for any serious future relations between Zanzibar and Oman, there is an urgent need to set up guiding principles which will be based on a more comprehensive policy that takes into account the interests of peoples of these two countries. And secondly to avoid any further constitutional crisis, which might be the result of the Articles of Union, there is again a need for both parties to the Union to come together and have an in-depth analysis of the union itself. Only a union which serves the interests of both parties should be left to survive.