The
Civic United Front (CUF) has expressed shock and disbelief over what
President John Magufuli said while addressing a rally in Pemba on
Friday.
In his speech, Dr
Magufuli told the opposition party to stop thinking that they will be
able to sway the government through the international community and have
another poll re-run in Zanzibar.
Chairman of CUF
Interim Leadership Committee Julius Mtatiro, told The Citizen on Sunday
that such a statement was unfortunate to come from the Head of State at
this time when efforts were needed to re-unite the Zanzibari people.
Mr Mtatiro noted
that given the fragile political situation in Zanzibar, Dr Magufuli
should not have issued such divisive remarks.
Although he said an
official party stand on Dr Magufuli's speech would be given later in
the week, he noted that politicians in Zanzibar expected the Head of
State to use the visit to heal the wounds. Mr Mtatiro said: "CUF has
gone a long way in ensuring that Zanzibar remains calm during this
trying time. We thought that our colleagues would do the same. In my
view I think Dr Magufuli is overwhelmed by the post he was voted for by
Tanzanians because instead of leading he has embarked on threats."
Mr Mtatiro noted that Dr Magufuli's speech was likely to divide Zanzibaris further rather than unite them.
He appealed to
Zanzibaris not to be perturbed by the speech and remain calm as CUF
continues with its peaceful mission to resolve the Zanzibar political
crisis.
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