UN commends Zanzibar unity government

ISSA YUSSUF in Zanzibar,
THE United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Tanzania, Mr Alberic Kacou, on Wednesday called for joint commitment in supporting Zanzibar’s Government of National Unity (GNU).
Briefing reporters in Zanzibar about the United Nations Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP), 2011/2015 cycle for Tanzania, Mr Kacou said the GNU was a model for Africa because there was no foreign involvement in setting it up.
“When there is disagreement, people can always seek dialogue to resolve matters peacefully, Zanzibar is a very good example for African countries,” the UN resident Co-ordinator observed.
He said that the UNDAP budget was US 773 million dollars which includes US 11.6 million dollars for Zanzibar, to support various programmes with three priority areas being health, education and environment respectively.
Other areas of support in the UNDAP, include Governance, Economic growth, HIV/AIDS, Social Protection, Refugees and emergencies.
He told reporters that his office would carry out capacity building through communication (advocacy and behaviour change).
Flanked by Ms Sala Elise Patterson, UN Communication Specialist, Mr Kacou mentioned another area as development of media, through Zanzibar School of Journalism and frequent consultations with reporters.
He said evaluation and monitoring were important in the implementation of the plan