Information on the Zanzibar Association in Zanzibar and in Dubai [TZA11039]

A "Tanzania Association" is reported to be active in London, U.K. (Africa Events Oct./Nov. 1991, 11). Zanzibari opposition groups are also active underground in Tanzania, as attested by the fact that in 1990, separatists urged their followers to boycott national and presidential elections (Ibid. Oct. 1990, 8). Following the boycott, the authorities in Zanzibar arrested government opponents (Africa Confidential Sept. 1990, 8).

As far as connections with Dubai are concerned, one source indicates that, after the 13 May 1988 riots in Zanzibar, the government accused "anti-government agents based in Dubai" of instigating the unrest (Africa Research Bulletin 15 July 1988, 8925). According to another source, the Tanzanian authorities blamed the "Arab" element for being at the root of the riots, claiming that former Zanzibari politicians now in exile were plotting to return to the island (New African July 1988, 18). In January 1989, a leaflet entitled "Voice of a Free Zanzibar" was smuggled into the country from the Gulf Emirate of Oman, where the former Zanzibar sultan took refuge at the time of independence (Africa Confidential 3 Feb. 1989).

Further information on the topic is currently unavailable to the IRBDC in Ottawa.

References


Africa Confidential [London]. September 1990. Vol. 31, No. 19. "Tanzania: Zanzibar Crackdown," p. 8.

_____. 3 February 1989. Vol. 30, No. 3. "Tanzania: Unhappy Birthday for Zanzibar," p. 5.

Africa Events [London]. October/November 1991. "Flacks of the Flea," p. 11.

_____. October 1990. "Mwinyi's Wonder," p. 8.

Africa Research Bulletin [London]. 15 July 1988. "Tanzania: Riot Probe Commission," p. 8925.

New African [London]. July 1988, 18. "Zanzibar Takes a Stand," p. 18.

Attached Documents

Africa Confidential [London]. September 1990. Vol. 31, No. 19. "Tanzania: Zanzibar Crackdown," p. 8.

_____. 3 February 1989. Vol. 30, No. 3. "Tanzania: Unhappy Birthday for Zanzibar," p. 5-6.

Africa Events [London]. October/November 1991. "Flacks of the Flea," p. 11.

_____. October 1990. "Mwinyi's Wonder," p. 7-8.

Africa Research Bulletin [London]. 15 July 1988. "Tanzania: Riot Probe Commission," p. 8924-8925.

New African [London]. July 1988, 18. "Zanzibar Takes a Stand", p. 18.