The Zanzibar Revolution, which took place on January 12, 1964, was a pivotal moment in the history of the East African island of Zanzibar. The revolution led to the overthrow of the Sultanate of Zanzibar and the establishment of a new government, ending centuries of Arab dominance and marking a significant shift in the island’s political and social landscape.
Background: Colonialism and Racial Divisions
For centuries, Zanzibar was an important trading hub, controlled by Arab and Swahili elites, with a large African population working under oppressive conditions. During the 19th century, Zanzibar became a key center of the East African slave trade under the rule of the Omani Sultanate. Even after slavery was officially abolished, the social and economic structure remained highly unequal, with Arabs maintaining dominance over politics, land, and commerce, while Africans, many of whom were descendants of former slaves, remained marginalized.
In 1963, Zanzibar gained independence from British colonial rule, and a constitutional monarchy was established under Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah. However, this new government continued to be dominated by the Arab elite, despite the African population being the majority. This fueled growing resentment among African Zanzibaris, particularly those who supported socialist and pan-African movements inspired by neighboring Tanganyika (now part of Tanzania).
The Revolution: Overthrow of the Sultanate
On the night of January 11-12, 1964, a revolutionary group led by John Okello, a Ugandan revolutionary, launched a surprise attack against the Sultan’s government. The insurgents, mostly African laborers and ex-soldiers, quickly overwhelmed the police force and seized key government buildings. By the morning of January 12, the Sultan had fled the island, and the revolutionaries declared victory.
The overthrow of the Sultanate was followed by widespread violence, as revolutionary forces targeted Arab and South Asian communities, whom they associated with the former ruling class. Thousands of people were killed, and many were forced to flee the island. The revolutionaries also seized Arab-owned land and businesses, redistributing them among the African population.
Formation of the People’s Republic of Zanzibar and Pemba
Following the revolution, a new government was formed under Abeid Amani Karume, leader of the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP). The new government aligned itself with socialist and pan-Africanist ideologies, implementing land reforms and nationalizing industries to benefit the African majority. However, internal conflicts within the revolutionary government and tensions between different factions led to political instability.
Union with Tanganyika and Legacy
Fearing foreign intervention and seeking greater stability, Zanzibar merged with Tanganyika on April 26, 1964, to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Although Zanzibar retained a degree of autonomy, the revolution fundamentally reshaped its political identity and ended centuries of Arab rule.
The legacy of the Zanzibar Revolution remains complex. While it is celebrated as a victory against colonial and racial oppression, the violence and displacement that followed remain controversial. Today, Zanzibar continues to navigate its unique political identity within Tanzania, with periodic calls for greater autonomy.
The revolution stands as a significant moment in African history, symbolizing the struggle for self-determination and the challenges of post-colonial nation-building.
