Sowing the Wind

Zanzibar & Pemba before the revolution An insider’s account of political conflict as Zanzibar achieved independence. In late 1958 the political atmosphere in Zanzibar was heating up and racial tension was soaring dangerously as the Afro Shirazi Party (ASP) began to claim that Zanzibar was only for the black people and all other races were aliens. The Zanzibar Nationalist Party (ZNP) was demanding independence by 1960, and the ASP opposing it in fear of alleged Arab domination. There were questions as to their capacity to fully participate in the political and constitutional life of the state due to lack of sufficient education among their masses - the downtrodden black people, and lack of administrative and other skills necessary for the running of a modern state. It was at this time that Maulid was transferred to Pemba from Zanzibar Island, where the atmosphere was more friendly and relaxed. Maulid had enjoyed passing time in leisurely pursuits like fishing, watching and making friends. In 1961 his life changed. Constitutional changes had occurred, and elections were to be held accordingly. He accepted ZNP invitation to stand as their candidate for the Wete Constituency in Pemba. He won his seat, and went on to occupy Ministerial posts until the Revolution of 1964. He got married in1962 and had a son in 1963, only a month or so before the Revolution. Independence come in December 1963. By this time the Party he had lovedand worked for was no longer the same. Opponents arose against him from within the Party as he was branded a 'comrade' or a sympathizer of the militant left wing group in the Party. Eventually this group left the Party to form their own Party - the Umma Party. By independence he was much disillusioned and disappointed. Then came the Revolution in January, 1964. He was held in detention for 10 years, until 1974. He was by then 40 years old. He was only re-united with his family in 1976, after 12 years separation. 178 pages Format:148 x 210mm over 20 illustrations