An African President Who Was Shot Dead While Playing Bawo, a Board Game
Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, the first president of Zanzibar and the first vice-president of Tanzania, was assassinated on April 7, 1972, while playing bawo, a traditional board game at the headquarters of the ruling Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP) in Zanzibar Town.
He was 67 years old at the time.
Karume came to power in January 1964 following a revolution that overthrew Sultan Jamshid bin Abdullah and ended the Sultanate’s rule over Zanzibar.
His government later faced criticism over political repression, arrests and the treatment of political opponents.
The assassination was led by Humud Mohammed Humud, a 26-year-old army lieutenant whose father reportedly died in detention after being arrested by Karume’s government.
Humud’s father, Mzee Mohamed Humud, was a wealthy Arab landowner who owned clove and coconut plantations.
He was arrested in October 1964 on suspicion of plotting against the new government but later died in prison after suffering torture. His death is believed to have fuelled his son’s anger towards Karume.
On the day of the assassination, armed men arrived at the ASP headquarters in two vehicles and stormed the building. They opened fire on Karume, and the people gathered around him where they were playing. The attack claimed the president’s life.
Karume’s bodyguards returned fire, killing Humud and two other attackers, while other members of the group escaped.
The assassination was followed by a major government crackdown. Approximately 1,100 people were detained during the investigation, and many faced accusations of involvement in an alleged conspiracy. Many, including the country’s opposition leaders, were sentenced to death following a treason trial.
Author: Victor Adundo.
Below: A collage photo of Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, the first President of Zanzibar, alongside a bawo board, a traditional African game.