Zanzibar Revolution 1964: The Uprising that Redefined a Nation
Hey Family,
I hope you’re all doing well. Today, I want to dive a little deeper into a story that I just shared on the Black History Buff Podcast: the Zanzibar Revolution of 1964. This is one of those events that often gets overshadowed in discussions of African history, yet its impact was profound. If you’ve already listened to the podcast, you’ll know that I touched on the key moments of this pivotal uprising—but here, I want to expand on that and give you a more nuanced look at what really went down on this small island off the coast of East Africa.
A Nation Divided
In many ways, the revolution was the result of decades—if not centuries—of division. Zanzibar had always been a crossroads of cultures: Africans, Arabs, South Asians, and Europeans all lived and worked on this island. But despite the diversity, power was concentrated in the hands of the Arab elite, who had long-standing ties to the Omani Sultanate. The African majority, many of whom were descendants of slaves, were left disenfranchised and frustrated by the growing inequalities.
This tension wasn’t new. In fact, political parties representing the African population, like the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP), had been pushing for change for years. But when Zanzibar gained independence from Britain in 1963, it wasn’t the end of colonial-style governance. Instead, Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah and the Arab elite continued to control the political system, leaving the African population feeling more alienated than ever.
The Rise of John Okello
Now, let’s talk about one of the more fascinating—and mysterious—figures in this story: John Okello. This man, originally from Uganda, didn’t have the formal education or political experience that you’d expect from a revolutionary leader. But what he lacked in background, he made up for in sheer determination.
Okello led the revolt in January 1964, coordinating a band of 600 or so revolutionaries armed with little more than machetes and a few rifles. What’s remarkable is how quickly they overthrew the Sultan’s government. Within hours, they’d taken control of key installations, and by the next morning, the Sultan was fleeing into exile. Okello declared a new government under the Afro-Shirazi Party, but his role in the revolution was short-lived. He was a polarising figure, often described as erratic, and within weeks, real power had shifted to Abeid Karume, the leader of the ASP.
Okello is a figure who doesn’t fit neatly into historical narratives. He was a man who played a significant role in starting a revolution but was quickly sidelined. His legacy remains complicated—both a hero to some and a liability to others.
The Aftermath: Chaos and Change
While the revolution was swift, the aftermath was far from simple. Thousands of Arabs and South Asians were killed or forced to flee the island in what can only be described as a brutal and bloody period. The revolution’s violence often gets downplayed, but it’s crucial to acknowledge this part of the story. The new government wanted to eliminate the deep-seated inequalities, but in doing so, the revolution tore apart the fabric of Zanzibar’s diverse society.
The power vacuum left in the wake of Okello’s departure was quickly filled by Karume, who went on to become Zanzibar’s first president. Karume wasted no time in steering the island towards a union with Tanganyika—a decision that would change the region’s history forever. By April 1964, Zanzibar and Tanganyika had merged to form the United Republic of Tanzania, a partnership that still exists today.
A Global Stage: Cold War Dynamics
Another angle I want to touch on is the international context of the Zanzibar Revolution. In the 1960s, the world was deeply entrenched in the Cold War, and both the United States and the Soviet Union were keen to extend their influence across Africa. The newly formed Zanzibari government was seen as left-leaning, which caused alarm in the West. The revolution drew the attention of both superpowers, each eager to prevent the island from becoming a foothold for the other in the region.
This aspect of the revolution highlights how, even though Zanzibar was a small island, its politics had implications far beyond its shores. The Cold War superpowers were playing a high-stakes game, and Zanzibar’s revolution was one more piece on the chessboard.
Why This Story Still Matters Today
So, why is the Zanzibar Revolution still important to talk about today? Because it serves as a powerful reminder of what can happen when people are pushed to the margins of society. When the voices of the majority are ignored, revolution becomes inevitable. It’s also a story about the complexities of leadership and power. Okello’s rise and fall remind us that revolutionary movements are often messy, full of contradictions, and rarely go according to plan.
Even now, Zanzibar’s past echoes in conversations about governance, unity, and justice—not just in Tanzania, but across Africa and the wider world. In a time when political and economic inequality continues to drive social unrest globally, there are important lessons to be learned from this small island’s story.
Let’s Reflect
As always, I want to hear from you. What do you think about the Zanzibar Revolution? Does it remind you of other historical events where inequality sparked massive change? And what can we learn from John Okello's brief but impactful role in the revolution? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Thanks for walking with me through this chapter of history. If you enjoyed this post and the podcast, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and support on Patreon—your support is what keeps these stories alive.
Until next time,
Blessings,
KK
Recommended Resources:
Zanzibar: Background to Revolution - A detailed analysis of the social and political conditions leading to the revolution, providing insights into the factors behind the uprising.
https://amzn.to/3YuW1A7 (Opens in a new window)
Revolution in Zanzibar: An American's Cold War Tale - by Donald Petterson – This book offers a gripping account of the revolution, especially focusing on Cold War tensions surrounding the event.
https://amzn.to/40e701Z (Opens in a new window)
Zanzibar Uhuru: Revolution, Two Women, and the Challenge of Survival - by Anne M. Chappel – A historical novel reflecting personal experiences during the revolution.
