President Ali Mohamed Shein presided over a celebration honouring Zanzibar's 49th anniversary of its independence at Amaan Stadium in Stone Town on Saturday (January 12th), Tanzania's Daily News reported.

In an address to the nation, Shein urged Zanzibaris to direct their efforts towards development and to co-operate with security forces as they work to guarantee security on the island.

"The government will not spare anyone creating division and instability," he said. "We need peace, stability and hard work for our government." Shein said national goals include reducing youth unemployment, increasing food security and expanding the tourism industry.