Jonathan to Broker Peace in Zanzibar

Former President Jonathan has been entrusted with another international assignment by The Commonwealth. He is expected to broker peace among politicians in the semi-independent island of Zanzibar.In a letter written by the Commonwealth Secretary General, Mr. Kamalesh Sharma, Jonathan was informed that he would be the Commonwealth Special representative to Zanzibar.The letter to former President Jonathan by the Secretary-General explained that: “As you are aware, the Zanzibar electoral situation remains unsolved, although recent reports indicating willingness by the main political parties to engage in talking is encouraging.“In view of the Commonwealth’s historical role as the moral generator of the Muafaka Accords, it is important that we remain engaged to continue to encourage all concerned to resolve the situation in a peaceful and sustainable manner.“I am therefore delighted and honoured that you have kindly agreed to be my Special Representative over the coming weeks, in order to remain in contact with key political leaders and to encourage them towards an expeditious resolution of the impasse.”It will be recalled that Jonathan led the Commonwealth Observe Group (COG) to the general election in Tanzania last month.Jonathan’s new assignment is expected to broker peace after the nullification of the presidential election results by the Island’s electoral body, citing irregularities though international observers have continued to dispute the decision, on the grounds that both the voting and counting processes were held in an atmosphere of peace.Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa.