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Z’bar tightens security around top CCM officials
2006-01-10 08:04:33
By Mwinyi Sadallah, Zanzibar
The Zanzibar government has tightened security around some CCM leaders and foreign experts based in the isles.
The decision follows threats issued against the officials and expatriates following the October 30 elections in Zanzibar, according to Hassan Haji Wambi, Principal Secretary in the Office of the President responsible for Regional Administration and Zanzibar Special Forces.
’The government has decided to provide some party officials with extra security in response to threats issued against them by the opposition since the completion of the elections,’ he said.
Wambi did not name the opposition party or parties that were allegedly behind the threats, but said the security details could be withdrawn in the near future ’because the situation is gradually returning to normal’.
Among those being provided with security around the clock are CCM Deputy Secretary-General Saleh Ramadhan Ferouz, party leaders at the regional and district levels and foreign experts, mostly from China.
Members of the Zanzibar Special Forces, especially KMKM, JKU and Volunteers Unit, have been guarding the residences of the CCM leaders since the results of the elections were announced.
Meanwhile, members of the public visiting areas where top CCM officials live have complained about harassment by militia guarding the residences.
They also said the arbitrary closure of roads in the areas was inconveniencing pedestrians and motorists.
Mjini Magharibi Regional Police Commander George Kizuguto confirmed the increased presence of members of Zanzibar Special Forces in some areas in the municipality, but said he could not comment further because the Police Force had nothing to do with the exercise.
’We’re not involved in this. The Police Force in Mjini Magharibi Region does not know the reason behind the stepped up security,’ he said.
He added, however, that Zanzibar Special Forces were now being operated commercially and anybody could hire them to guard their residences or business premises.
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