Attended the 60th anniversary festivities commemorating Zanzibar’s independence at Uwanja Wa Amaan stadium in Unguja, Zanzibar City.
I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Zanzibar, as well as the entire Republic and the People of Tanzania, on this momentous historic occasion.
The tireless efforts of the revolutionaries, led by H.E. Abeid Amani Karume, have paved the way for Zanzibar to embrace a unique opportunity to embody the pure principles of African governance. This governance model emphasizes African unity rather than resorting to divisive tactics.
Through collaboration with Mwalimu Nyerere, Zanzibar showcased to the rest of Africa that when two nations agree to unite and stand as one it sets a precedent for the entire continent. I firmly believe in unity as a driving force for broader markets, as a pathway to rapid development, and as a resolute response to external pressures.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has cautioned the people of East Africa against divisionism, saying it’s a setback to the region.
“You cannot tell me about divisions, I believe in unity,” he said.
The President made the remarks during the 60th Zanzibar Revolution anniversary celebrations held at Amaan Sports Complex, Zanzibar, where he joined other regional leaders.
The Zanzibar Revolution occurred in January 1964 and led to the overthrow of the Sultan of Zanzibar and his mainly Arab government by the island’s majority Black African population.
Zanzibar is an insular semi-autonomous region which united with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. It is an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, 25–50 km (16–31 mi) off the coast of the African mainland and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja (the main island, referred to informally as Zanzibar) and Pemba Island.
President Museveni said it was a good idea for Zanzibar to unite with Tanganyika to form The United Republic of Tanzania since togetherness was always a proposition of Pan- Africanists like Mzee Julius Mwalimu Nyerere.
“For us who know what a United Africa means, that was a good idea for our brothers to unite. Thank you for the unity,” I congratulate the people of Zanzibar for reaching the 60th revolution anniversary.
He also said Africa cannot develop without togetherness.
“That is why you find when we join together as East Africa, we develop due to the common market,” he said.
The President of Zanzibar, H.E Hussein Ali Mwinyi congratulated the people of Zanzibar for reaching the 60th revolution anniversary.
He also thanked President Suluhu for offering them support to ensure that the celebrations are a success.
“You have never abandoned us in good and bad times. I want to also thank the Presidents of Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda and other neighbours who have always wished us the best,” President Mwinyi noted.
“We pray to God to bless our country so that we achieve what we intend to have,” he added.
Once again, I extend my congratulations to the resilient people of Zanzibar and Tanzania on this momentous occasion.
