Tanzania’s ruling party’s ethics committee has questioned Simai Mohamed Said, the former Minister of Tourism in Zanzibar after he stepped down due to concerns about an alcohol shortage that poses a risk to the island’s tourism sector.
The ethics committee of Tanzania’s ruling party has questioned Simai Mohamed Said, the former Minister of Tourism in Zanzibar, regarding his resignation related to the alcohol shortage impacting the tourism sector on the islands. The shortage has caused beer prices to increase by nearly 100% due to disrupted supply chains, negatively affecting one of Africa’s top travel destinations.
The resignation of Mr. Said is believed to be closely related to the alcohol shortage, following his public criticism of the Zanzibar Liquor Control Board for its poor handling of the industry. The president, Hussein Mwinyi, has accused Mr. Said of being in a situation of conflict of interest, with evidence suggesting a link between one of his relatives and an alcohol-importing company that hasn’t had its license renewed.
Amidst the ongoing alcohol shortage, Mr. Said’s resignation is believed to be tied to his criticism of the Zanzibar Liquor Control Board and alleged conflict of interest. President Hussein Mwinyi has accused Mr. Said of having a relative connected to an alcohol-importing company whose license renewal is in question. This incident highlights the political turmoil in Zanzibar, particularly in a sector crucial to its economy. The shortage not only impacts the local population but also poses a threat to tourism, potentially causing a significant economic setback for the island.
The ongoing inquiry by the ethics committee into Mr. Said raises uncertainty about the consequences for the ex-minister and the future of tourism in Zanzibar. As events unfold, global attention is focused on Tanzania, eager to witness the country’s response to this crisis and the actions it will take to regain stability in its esteemed tourism industry.
