Revolutionary Council (Zanzibar)

The Revolutionary Council (Zanzibar) was the supreme governing body of Zanzibar following the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution that overthrew the Sultanate. Established on January 12, 1964, it initially comprised members primarily drawn from the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP) and Umma Party.

The Council held both executive and legislative power in Zanzibar. Its chairman, Abeid Amani Karume, became the first President of Zanzibar. The Revolutionary Council ruled by decree, enacting laws and policies aimed at social reform, including land redistribution, nationalization of key industries, and expansion of education and healthcare.

Initially, the Council operated under a revolutionary mandate, suppressing opposition and consolidating its power. Over time, its structure and composition evolved, but it remained the dominant political force in Zanzibar. Following the union of Zanzibar and Tanganyika in April 1964, which created the United Republic of Tanzania, the Revolutionary Council retained significant autonomy over Zanzibar's internal affairs.

The Revolutionary Council’s existence and powers were later formalized within the Tanzanian constitution. It was eventually dissolved in 1985, following constitutional amendments that integrated Zanzibar's government more closely with that of Tanzania. Its functions were largely transferred to the Zanzibar House of Representatives and the Zanzibar Executive Council, marking a transition towards a more representative and integrated system of governance within Tanzania. While the Council itself no longer exists, its legacy remains significant in shaping Zanzibar's political, economic, and social landscape.