Tanzania marks 60th anniversary of union between Tanganyika, Zanzibar

By Kizito Makoye

DAR ES SALAAM, (AA) - Tanzania marked the 60th anniversary of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar on Friday that formed the United Republic of Tanzania.

The historic merger on April 26, 1964, formed the United Republic of Tanzania under the leadership of former Presidents Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Abeid Amani Karume.

The celebrations, held at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, witnessed the presence of seven heads of state from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) African nations.

Among them were Azali Assoumani from the Union of the Comoros, Felix Tshisekedi from the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Evariste Ndayishimiye from Burundi. Also in attendance were leaders from Zambia, Somalia, Kenya, and Namibia.

During the festivities, Ndayishimiye hailed the founding fathers of Tanzania, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and then-King of Burundi Ntare V Ndizeye, for their pivotal role in uniting the people.

“We are essentially one people, the borders between our countries were created by colonialists," he said.

Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan, addressing the nation on this historic occasion, emphasized the enduring strength of the union.

“On behalf of you, the Tanzanian citizens, I sincerely thank the Founders of this Union, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and (former President of Zanzibar) Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume, as well as the leaders who followed them, for bringing us together and building a free, strong, and hopeful nation,” she said, adding: "The only gift we can give them is to continue to maintain this Union and honor their vision. In today's saying, we simply give them their flowers."

She highlighted the Pan-African Movement of Eastern and Central Africa (PAFMECA), through which Nyerere and Karume advocated for the liberation and unity of East African nations.

The president further underscored the historical ties between Tanganyikans and Zanzibaris, emphasizing their shared heritage and familial connections. The socio-economic integration facilitated by the union has enhanced mobility and cultural exchange, fostering a sense of national unity among Tanzanians.

Moreover, she highlighted Tanzania's diplomatic influence regionally and globally, attributing it to the "strength of the union" and emphasized the nation's role in conflict resolution and its commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.