Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume expressed shock when he learnt of the death on March 14 of SHABAAN HAMIS MLOO, the founder of the opposition Civic United Front (CUF) saying he played a great role in the Isles’ independence struggle. In his condolence message the President described him as a man who was in the forefront in the fight for the rights of workers in the Isles during the colonial period. In a separate condolence message CUF Chairman Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba said the party would long remember him. Mloo was the first CUF Secretary General for eight years from 1992 to 2000 and became the Vice Chairman until he retired in 2004. He attended the party`s National Congress held in February – Guardian.

Retired BRIGADIER GENERAL ALEXANDER NYIRENDA (72), who is best remembered for hoisting the Uhuru Torch on Mt. Kilimanjaro on the eve of the country`s independence, has died. While at Muhimbili Hospital, his health deteriorated, prompting the government to take him to India for specialised treatment. He had been suffering from malaria, heart complications and low blood pressure.