PRESIDENT MWINYI URGES JUDICIAL INNOVATION AND FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE AT 2026 SEACJF CONFERENCE

By MARY GWERA, Judiciary-Zanzibar

The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, stated that it is important for the judiciary to embrace innovation while preserving the fundamental values upon which the administration of justice rests.

His Excellency Dr. Mwinyi said this today, October 5th, 2026, while delivering his keynote speech during the opening ceremony of the Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices' Forum (SEACJF), held at Hotel Verde in Zanzibar.

“Let us pursue efficiency without compromising fairness and due process, and let us continue with judiciary reforms and administration in ways that make justice more accessible to ordinary people,” insisted the President of Zanzibar.

He added that people who come before courts do not experience justice through mere policies; rather, they experience it through the quality, timeliness, and accessibility of court services. “Our ultimate measure of success must therefore be whether the reforms we undertake make a meaningful difference to the people we serve,” he said.

Furthermore, His Excellency Dr. Mwinyi assured conference participants that Zanzibar stands ready to continue participating actively in regional judicial cooperation and supporting initiatives that strengthen the administration of justice in Africa.

Highlighting the launch of Guidelines on the Financial Independence of the Judiciary, President Mwinyi emphasized that courts cannot fulfill their constitutional duties without predictable and adequate resources.

Addressing the assembly of dignitaries, which included Vice President and Minister of Finance of Botswana, His Excellency Mr. Ndaba Nkosinathi, Chief Justice of Malawi and Chairperson of the Forum, Hon. Rizine Mzikamanda, Chief Justice of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. George Masaju as well as regional ministers, diplomatic figures, and senior jurists, President Mwinyi commended the Forum for introducing landmark regional frameworks aimed at strengthening judicial autonomy and legal capacity.

"The financial independence of the judiciary is an important component of judicial independence," President Mwinyi stated. "Despite competing national priorities, we recognize the importance of prioritizing the judiciary so it can discharge its constitutional mandate effectively and independently."

President Mwinyi further noted, “I understand that this may be among the first regional instruments of its kind developed collectively by African judiciaries. As a government, we fully recognize the importance of this issue.”

Beyond structural frameworks, the President issued a direct call to action for judicial bodies to modernize, adopt innovative solutions, and prioritize citizens' lived experiences within the legal system.

Reaffirming Zanzibar's commitment to active regional judicial cooperation, President Mwinyi expressed his hope that delegates would leave with fruitful strategies and fond memories of the island.

Chief Justices; including the Chief Justice of the United Republic of Tanzania, Hon. George Masaju regional leaders, and legal stakeholders from across Southern and Eastern Africa gathered in Zanzibar for the conference.

The high-level regional event officially commenced following welcoming remarks by the Chief Justice of Zanzibar, Hon. Khamis Ramadhan Abdalla, who invited the Chief Guest, President Dr. Mwinyi, to deliver the keynote address. 

However, during the opening session of the SEACJF Annual Conference, the Minister of Constitution, Legal Affairs, Public Service and Good Governance of Zanzibar, Hon. Dr. Haroun Ali Suleiman gave his remarks, followed by the Chairman of the Forum, Hon. Justice Mzikamanda who also delivered his remarks and later on Vote of thanks delivered by the Chief Justice of Namibia, Hon. Peter Shivute. 

The five-day conference will feature a range of topics and panel discussions among Chief Justices from across the Southern and Eastern Africa region.

Guest of Honor who is The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi (centre) posing for a group photo with the Chief Justices from Southern and Eastern Africa who are attending 2026 Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices' Forum (SEACJF)opened today October 05th, 2026 at Hotel Verde in Zanzibar.

Guest of Honor who is The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi (centre)  in a group photo with the Retired Chief Justices of the United Republic of Tanzania together with the Court of Appeal and High Court of Tanzania Judges.

The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi launches The Livingstone Principles to be used by Judiciaries within the Southern and Eastern Africa region.

High table led by Guest of Honor who is The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi (centre) in a group photo with the Chief Justices from Southern and Eastern Africa (standing).

High table led by Guest of Honor who is The President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, His Excellency Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi (centre) in a group photo with Zanzibar High Cout Judges.