Uchaguzi Bila Zogo: Supporting Post-Election Dialogue and Reconciliation in Zanzibar
In the wake of political instability initiated by Zanzibar’s 2020 general elections and the limited efforts undertaken by the government and opposition to de-escalate the situation, Search for Common Ground partnered with the US Embassy in Tanzania to implement a peacebuilding project between September 2021 and March 2023. The Uchaguzi Bila Zogo Project aimed to increase engagement in post-election dialogue and reconciliation efforts, and improve relationships between high level-political actors and local communities in Zanzibar. It is critical for the national government and Zanzibari communities to have inclusive avenues for dialogue to increase trust as trust strengthens relationships, societies, and economies and prevents violence. In light of election grievances, the project prioritized providing political and civil society actors the tools to constructively engage among themselves and the community at-large in an effort to create positive interactions and opportunities for collaboration. Results from this project can be found in the Outcome Mapping Report.
Dumisha Amani Zanzibar: Strengthening Community Peace Mechanisms in Zanzibar
Over the past years, Zanzibar has experienced occasional violent extremist incidents that can be linked to various political, social and economic grievances. The post-election period has evolved into a volatile situation marked by tensions and outbreaks of violence between community members, political party affiliates, and security forces. To enhance peaceful conflict transformation mechanisms, reduce tensions and promote a peaceful period after elections in Zanzibar, Search for Common Ground, in partnership with the Foundation for Civil Society (FCS) implemented the “Dumisha Amani Zanzibar” project, funded by the European Commission (January 2021 – December 2022). The project focused on providing trusted community influencers the necessary platforms and opportunities to support peaceful conflict transformation and dialogue at both the local and state level with government authorities and to spread these peace messages through a media campaign. The project’s Final Evaluation Report (Executive Summary) highlights key results and lessons from implementation.
The project brought peace to the daily lives of bodaboda riders (motorcycle taxi operators) by facilitating dialogue, promoting understanding, and finding mutually acceptable solutions to a conflict that was opposing them with the department of communication and transport in Zanzibar. They shared their gratitude for the ability to pursue their income-generating activity without clashing with any authority whatsoever.
The Residents of southern province of Pemba expressed how the project through using the Common Ground Approach bridged the gap between community members and Zanzibar Water Authority (ZAWA) by solving a conflict that had hindered their access to essential services like clean running water.
