Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, Second Vice President of Zanzibar, his message emphasizes “transformational justice leadership” and warns of systemic collapse if leaders fail to act justly. Below is a detailed analysis of his philosophy and governance approach:
⚖️ 1. Core Philosophy: Justice as Existential Imperative.
– Abdulla’s declaration “Tutende Haki, tuwatendee Haki Watu” (We must act justly, treat people justly) frames justice as non-negotiable for leadership legitimacy. He stresses that leaders at “Meza Kuu” (main tables of power) bear primary responsibility for institutional integrity, as injustice would “overwhelm all” (“injustices zitaishinda sisi sote”).
– This aligns with his public stance that justice reforms are critical to national stability and public trust.
🔍 2. Operationalizing Justice: Systemic Reforms.
– Criminal Justice Overhaul:
Abdulla spearheads implementation of recommendations from Zanzibar’s Criminal Justice Commission, targeting inefficiency, corruption, and bias. Key measures include:
– Modernizing police recruitment and training to ensure professionalism.
– Establishing independent oversight bodies to monitor law enforcement.
– Addressing “community reluctance to report crimes” by discouraging out-of-court settlements that circumvent judicial accountability.
–Anti-Corruption Advocacy:
He urges African nations to adopt “innovative approaches” against graft, emphasizing that corruption “hinders justice and development.” His call for public reporting of corruption to agencies like ZAECA and PCCB reflects his belief in collective vigilance .
🌐 3. Governance Framework: Transparency & Equity.
– Land and Housing Justice:
Abdulla links responsible land governance to economic growth, directing citizens to register properties legally and avoid conflicts. His “Land and Housing Week” initiative educates on sustainable urban planning and equitable resource use.
– Electoral Accountability:
Ahead of the 2025 elections, he mandates government communicators to disseminate “accurate, timely information” about development projects, enabling informed public decisions.
– Educational Equity:
Under his leadership, Zanzibar achieved an 85.6% Form IV pass rate (2023) and built 114 schools, connecting educational access to social justice.
⚠️ 4. Consequences of Injustice: Abdulla’s Warnings.
Abdulla’s statement implies that injustice triggers three existential threats:
– Systemic Collapse:
Corruption and unfair practices erode institutional credibility, making governance unsustainable.
– Public Alienation:
When citizens settle disputes outside courts, the judicial system becomes irrelevant, perpetuating cycles of distrust.
– Leadership Crisis:
Unjust leaders lose moral authority, fracturing social cohesion. His reference to “moyo utajisikia faraja” (your heart will feel relief) underscores ethical governance as a personal and communal imperative.
✨ 5. Legacy Context: Justice as Continuity.
Abdulla invokes Zanzibar’s revolutionary legacy during events like Abeid Karume’s memorial, emphasizing that “unity, justice, and development” are interlinked. By honoring Karume’s anti-monarchical reforms, he positions contemporary justice work as an extension of Zanzibar’s founding values.
💎 Conclusion: Justice as Leadership Oxygen.
For Abdulla, justice is not merely legal but existential—its absence “overwhelms” society, while its practice brings “faraja” (relief). His reforms in criminal justice, anti-corruption, and equitable service delivery operationalize this philosophy, framing leadership as stewardship of collective moral integrity.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
