Zanzibar's former first lady and advocate for unity and women's rights, Fatma Karume, has died at 97, leaving a legacy tied to the 1964 Union between Zanzibar and Tanganyika and her lifelong push for gender equality. Her death was confirmed on September 21, 2026, by Zanzibar's Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, who announced her passing at her Mbweni, Unguja home through Zanzibar Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC).
Karume, widow of Zanzibar's first President Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, was a prominent figure in Tanzanian political history. Her advocacy for the Union—established in 1964—remained a defining aspect of her public life. She consistently emphasized its role in fostering social, economic, and political connections between Zanzibar and the Mainland, rejecting claims that it had harmed Zanzibari interests. "The Union remains strong and has a very good connection. We are free to live and travel to any part of the Union," she stated in a 2026 interview with Tanzania Standard Newspapers (TSN).
The Union, forged by Zanzibar's founding president and Tanzania's first leader Julius Nyerere, was central to Karume's worldview. She recalled a story from her husband about Nyerere's suggestion that Abeid Karume lead the Union, which he declined in favor of Nyerere. "The founders considered the aspirations of the people rather than personal ambitions," she said, highlighting the spirit of collective purpose that shaped the Union's creation.
Karume acknowledged post-1990s challenges, including the rise of multiparty democracy and disputes over Zanzibar-Mainland relations. However, she urged dialogue as the solution, stating, "Disputes will emerge, but the best way to address them is dialogue." She criticized non-tariff barriers affecting citizens and traders, stressing leaders' commitment to strengthening the Union.
Beyond the Union, Karume was a trailblazer for women's rights. She championed women's political participation, including voting and leadership roles, during a period when such advocacy was rare. "Her life was closely connected to two important national conversations: the place of the Union and the role of women in shaping Tanzania's future," said a tribute from the Daily News.
Karume's death marks the end of an era for the Union's founding generation. Yet her messages on unity, equality, and dialogue remain central to Tanzania's national discourse. "The principles upon which the Union was founded—unity, freedom, love, peace, stability, and dialogue—should continue to guide Tanzania," she asserted in her final public remarks.
As Tanzania reflects on her legacy, Karume's life underscores the enduring relevance of the Union and the imperative to advance gender equality. Her passing leaves a void in the nation's political and social fabric, but her advocacy for shared prosperity and mutual respect endures in the country's ongoing journey.