About The Judiciary
Dedicated to upholding the rule of law with integrity, professionalism, and accountability for all.
Our Mission
To administer justice impartially, efficiently, and accessibly, thereby upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all citizens.
Our Vision
To be a world-class Judiciary that is independent, credible, and responsive to the needs of the society it serves.
Our Values
We are guided by integrity, independence, impartiality, professionalism, and accountability in all our endeavors.
A Brief History
The judicial system in Zanzibar has a rich and complex history, shaped by its unique cultural heritage and political evolution. From the traditional dispute resolution mechanisms of the Sultanate era to the establishment of a formal modern judiciary, the institution has continually adapted to serve the people.
The fusion of Islamic law (Sharia) for personal matters and common law for civil and criminal affairs following the revolution created a distinctive dual legal system. This system respects the religious and cultural traditions of the majority while ensuring a uniform standard of justice for all, embodying the principles of unity in diversity.
Judiciary Leadership
Hon. Khamis Ramadhan Abdalla
Chief Justice of Zanzibar
Hon. kai Bashir Mbaruk
Chief Court Administrator
Registrars
Hon. Valentina Andrew katema
High Court Registrar
Hon. Abdulrahman
Registrar of Kadhi
Our Mandate & Independence
The Judiciary of Zanzibar is an independent arm of the state, established by the Constitution to interpret the law and administer justice without fear, favor, or prejudice. Our mandate is to resolve disputes fairly and justly, protect the constitutional rights of individuals, and hold the other branches of government accountable to the law. This independence is the cornerstone of a free and democratic society, ensuring that justice is not swayed by political pressure or public opinion.