Omani Arab aspirations, national representation, and political tensions in the Zanzibarisation of the colonial administration, 1947–1963
Contenu
- Titre
- Omani Arab aspirations, national representation, and political tensions in the Zanzibarisation of the colonial administration, 1947–1963
- Créateur
- Żbik, Sebastian
- Résumé
- The localisation of colonial administration in multiethnic societies often generated significant social and political tensions. In many cases, colonial authorities favoured one group over others, deepening societal divisions and reinforcing imperial control. During Zanzibarisation, as this process of localisation was called in Zanzibar, British colonial authorities initially gave preferential treatment to Arabs, particularly Omani Arabs, who constituted the country’s elite until 1964. While some modern-day scholars and members of other ethnic communities viewed Arabs as dominant within the ranks of the colonial administration, this article argues that their position was more complex and contested. The Arab elite sought greater representation in senior administrative roles, but colonial policies often hindered their ambitions. Drawing on archival sources and administrative records, this article examines Zanzibarisation after 1947 and highlights the persistent influence of British officials, the limited inclusion of African clerks, and the delayed restructuring of the civil service. It also explores the rivalry between African and Arab communities as both sought to improve their positions within the administration and the country. Ultimately, the article contends that Zanzibarisation exacerbated existing divisions and contributed to the 1964 collapse of the independent Sultanate of Zanzibar.
- Est une partie de
- Journal of Eastern African Studies
- Couverture spatiale
- London
- Date
- 2026
- volume
- 20
- numéro
- 2
- pages
- 1-21
- Titre abrégé
- Journal of Eastern African Studies
- doi
- 10.1080/17531055.2026.2670061
- issn
- 1753-1055, 1753-1063
- Langue
- eng
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