Abeid Amani, Sheikh Karume

president of Zanzibar

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June 30, 2026

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Abeid Amani Karume was a pivotal figure in the history of Zanzibar and Tanzania. He became the first president of the People's Republic of Zanzibar following a revolution in January 1964 that overthrew the sultanate.1

Zanzibar gained independence from the United Kingdom on December 10, 1963. The revolution, led by John Okello, resulted in significant violence against the Arab population, with thousands killed or fleeing the island. Karume, as the leader of the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), was installed as president, and Zanzibar was declared a one-party state.1

In April 1964, Zanzibar merged with Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, later renamed Tanzania. Karume served as the first vice president, while Julius Nyerere was president. Despite unification, Zanzibar maintained its own policies for some time. Karume was assassinated in April 1972.23

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