The Zanzibar authorities have appointed nine Nigerians to senior posts in the judiciary on the grounds that there are no suitable local candidates.

Two of the Nigerians have been made legal advisers to the president, three high court judges and four others members of the law reform commission.The constitution of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania, allows the selection of foreigners from other Commonwealth countries, but such a large number has never been appointed at one time before.

The announcement comes as the trial of several opposition members on treason charges is due to begin.

A BBC correspondent in Zanzibar says some people think the appointments may be intended to de-politicise the trials, while others link them to the president's reported wish to stand for a third term of office, which is currently barred by the constitution.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service