The Zanzibar Revolution

A violent overthrow of the sultan's government shortly after Zanzibar's independence.

Background

Zanzibar became independent from Britain in December 1963 as a constitutional monarchy under a sultan. Political life was divided along lines of class and ethnicity, and many Africans on the islands felt excluded from power and land.

Course of events

On 12 January 1964 fighters led by John Okello attacked police stations and took control of the main town. The sultan fled, and the Afro-Shirazi Party leader Abeid Karume became president. The violence was severe, and many Arab and South Asian residents were killed or fled.

Legacy

In April 1964 Zanzibar united with Tanganyika to form Tanzania. The events remain politically sensitive, and the islands keep their own government within the union.