Zanzibar revolution of 1964 (causes, success and effects

Background

After independence of Zanzibar in 1963 from the British, the Sultanate was dominated by the Arab minority, despite the African Majority population. This caused deep-seated discontent among Africans. The bloody insurgency that led to overthrow Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah of Zanzibar by majority Africans was termed the Zanzibar revolution.

Causes of Zanzibar Revolution of 1964

The Zanzibar Revolution of 1964 was driven by several key factors:

1. Desire for independence: Africans were fed up of foreign rule for a long time. The revolution was thus intended to achieve independence.
2. Ethnic Tensions: The Arab minority, which had long held political and economic power, dominated the African majority. This created deep-seated resentment and tension between the two groups.
3. Colonial Legacy: Under British colonial rule, the Arab minority retained control over the islands, despite the African majority population. The British ended slavery but allowed the Arab minority to continue exploiting the African majority.
4. Political Exclusion: The African majority felt politically excluded and underrepresented. Despite winning a majority of the vote in the 1963 elections, the Arab-led parties retained power through rigged elections and other means.
5. Economic Inequality: The Arab minority controlled the high-paying economic sectors, while the African majority faced economic hardship and exploitation. The decline of the clove market further exacerbated economic problems.
6. Despotic Rule: The Arab-led government was authoritarian and brutal, arresting and torturing political opponents. Arbitrary laws and rigged elections further fueled discontent.
7. Cultural Differences: Cultural and social differences between the Arab and African populations led to poor relations and mutual distrust.
8. Anti-Arab Sentiments: The African majority resented the Arab minority’s perceived arrogance and discrimination. The Arab-led government’s policies and actions were seen as oppressive and unjust.
9. John Okello’s influence: Okello who was unhappy with the exploitative nature of the Arab leader organized a group of Africans that attacked and overthrew their government.

These factors collectively led to the outbreak of the Zanzibar Revolution, resulting in the overthrow of the Sultan and the establishment of a new government led by the Afro-Shirazi Party.

Reasons for the success of Zanzibar Revolution of 1964

The success of the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964 can be attributed to several key factors:

1. Strong Leadership: The revolution was led by John Okello and the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), which had strong leadership and a clear vision. Okello’s ability to mobilize and inspire the African majority was crucial.
2. Ethnic Tensions: The deep-seated ethnic tensions between the Arab minority and the African majority created a strong motivation for the African population to overthrow the Sultan and his government.
3. Political Exclusion: The African majority felt politically excluded and underrepresented, despite winning a majority of the vote in the 1963 elections. This sense of injustice fueled the revolution.
4. Economic Inequality: The Arab minority controlled the high-paying economic sectors, while the African majority faced economic hardship. This economic disparity added to the grievances of the African population.
5. Colonial Legacy: The end of British colonial rule in December 1963 left a power vacuum and exposed long-simmering racial, cultural, and economic tensions. The African majority saw the revolution as an opportunity to address these issues.
6. Quick and Decisive Action: The revolutionaries acted quickly and decisively, overwhelming the small police force and taking control of key areas. This swift action prevented the government from effectively responding.
7. International Context: The Cold War context and the decline of colonialism provided a favorable environment for the revolution. The new government’s apparent communist ties also drew international attention and support.
8. Assistance from neighboring countries: According to John Okello in his book “Revolution of Zanzibar” he claimed to have received assistance from Uganda, Tanganyika, Kenya, Congo and other countries.
9. Weak Arab Spy network: The Arab spy network was very weak because they never recognized Okello’s subversive activities.

These factors collectively contributed to the success of the Zanzibar Revolution, leading to the overthrow of the Sultan and the establishment of a new government.

Impact of Zanzibar Revolution of 1964

The Zanzibar Revolution of 1964 had several significant impacts:

1. End of Arab Dominance: The revolution led to the overthrow of the Sultan and the end of Arab dominance in Zanzibar. The new government, led by the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), aimed to reduce racial inequalities and redistribute land and resources.
2. Violence and Displacement: The revolution resulted in widespread violence, particularly targeting the Arab and South Asian populations. Estimates of the death toll vary, with some sources suggesting up to 20,000 people were killed. Many Arabs and South Asians fled the island, leading to a significant refugee crisis.
3. Formation of Tanzania: The revolution led to the merger of Zanzibar with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. This union was seen as a way to stabilize the region and prevent further communist influence.
4. Economic and Social Reforms: The new government implemented policies aimed at leveling the social and economic playing field.
5. Land reforms and the redistribution of resources were key components of these efforts.
6. International Relations: The revolution drew international attention and intervention. The new government established friendly contacts with socialist countries like East Germany and the Soviet Union, which provided aid and advice.
7. Kiswahili was adopted as a national language: The revolutionists immediately replaced Arabic with Kiswahili which became the official language.
8. Long-term Ethnic Tensions: The revolution exacerbated ethnic tensions and led to long-term social and political challenges. The Arab and South Asian populations continued to dwindle due to emigration and forced displacement.

These impacts collectively shaped the political, social, and economic landscape of Zanzibar and had lasting implications for the region.

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Thanks

Dr. Bbosa Science