Ali bin Said

Ali bin Said became the fourth sultan of Zanzibar following the death of his brother Khalifa bin Said. His reign began during the height of European colonial competition in East Africa, with Zanzibar already under British influence.

Ali bin Said's government accepted the Heligoland-Zanzibar Treaty between Britain and Germany. This treaty defined colonial spheres of influence, with Zanzibar becoming a British protectorate while Germany gained control over mainland Tanganyika.

Ali bin Said formally accepted British protectorate status over Zanzibar. This gave Britain control over Zanzibar's foreign affairs and defense while the sultan retained internal authority, effectively ending Zanzibar's sovereignty.