Identity Politics and Conflicts in Zanzibar

Abstract

This article analyses the pattern of conflict in Zanzibar. Since the introduction of multiparty politics in 1992 this semi-autonomous territory within the State of Tanzania has remained on the brink of conflict. The article argues that the conflict in Zanzibar should not be seen as merely a political stand-off with postelection rioting. In fact it has most of the characteristics of a deep-seated and protracted conflict. The political divisions are superimposed on deeper racial/ethnic divisions embedded in territorially-defined horizontal inequalities. These in turn have resonances to periods of profound brutality in Zanzibar and African history. The article examines geo-historical roots of the conflict to find explanations for the rather dismal results of the various attempts in conflict resolution in Zanzibar.

Keywords: Zanzibar, identity politics, conflicts, revolution, ethnicity

Lupa Ramadhani, Lecturer, University of Dar es Salaam E-mail: lupa@udsm.ac.tz