Uamsho association: the politics of islamism, unification and secession in Zanzibar

Abstract

UAMSHO (Awakening) organization, which came into prominence in 2001 is one of the several registered Muslim associations in Zanzibar whose mission, initially, was focused on da'wa (propagation of Islam) and improving Muslims’ welfare. Though registered as a socio-religious organization, gradually, the association has been taking clear political stance characterized by unrelenting demand for Zanzibar’s secession from the political unification with Tanganyika. Because of their advocacy, the political tension and violence that rocked Zanzibar in recent past was to a certain extent associated with the organization. The study examined the genesis and ideological foundations of the UAMSHO organization in the country within the context of a secular state. In that respect the study explored the global situations that influenced the emergence of political Islam in Zanzibar taking UAMSHO as the focus of the study. Both the Social Conflict Theory and the qualitative research approach were applied, and the data collected thereby analyzed using the qualitative analysis tools of content, discourse, and phenomenological analysis. More so, observation techniques, written documents, and internet sources were significant in collecting both primary and secondary data. The informants considered were in the following categories: Officials and activists of UAMSHO, leaders from different Muslim associations, and government officials. All the collected and analysed data was presented in the form of thematic descriptions to illustrate UAMSHO as a religion- political movement, advancing Muslims’ political consciousness in Zanzibar. The study concluded that the present political atmosphere that supports secession of Zanzibar from mainland Tanzania facilitates. It is expected that the findings of this study would provide the government with relevant information, which could be used in policy formulation that incorporates the views and the aspirations of the majority Muslims in Zanzibar.