Global messages as Tanzania marks its 60th union anniversary

Dar es Salaam. World leaders and regional organisations joined Tanzania on April 26, 2024, to mark the 60th anniversary of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

The unification took place on April 26, 1964, leading to the birth of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Following the decision, Abeid Aman Karume became the first vice president of Tanzania and president of Zanzibar, while Julius Nyerere assumed the union presidency role.

In her message posted on X, formerly Twitter, President Samia Suluhu@SuluhuSamia says:

“I wish you all well as we celebrate the 60th anniversary of our union. This is our collective treasure, the result of the work of every Tanzanian, from our founders to the present. We have built a strong foundation for Tanzania on the principles of humanity, brotherhood, and African unity, step by step, under each leadership phase.

The only gift we can give to the founders of this union is to protect and live up to their great vision. We are all witnesses to the significant progress we have made in the past 60 years.

We have every reason to continue to be proud of and protect this unique union that arose from our own decisions. In advancing it, we must implement the philosophy of reconciliation, tolerance, reform, and rebuilding our country to maintain peace and stability, essential pillars for the prosperity and resilience of our nation.

Happy anniversary of Tanzania's founding! Happy 60th anniversary to Tanzania! God bless Tanzania. God bless Africa,” reads her message.

In joining Tanzania in the celebrations, King Charles III of the United Kingdom sent a congratulatory message, which read:

“Happy Union Day, Tanzania! Dear Madam President, on the special occasion of your national day, my wife and I would like to convey our warmest congratulations to your Excellency and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, Charles R.” reads the message.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, says in a message: “On behalf of the United States of America, I join President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania in celebrating 60 years as a unified country.

As we celebrate this milestone, let us reflect on the rich history and enduring values that bind our two countries together and drive the relationship forward.

We applaud Tanzania’s commitment to undertaking important reforms to strengthen democratic governance, increase transparency, and spur economic growth.

From the commercial dialogue to the Millennium Challenge Threshold Programme, we have made significant progress in elevating our bilateral relationship this year and look forward to continued collaboration.

I extend my warm wishes for health, prosperity, and security to all Tanzanians,” reads his message.

The Chinese ambassador to Tanzania, Ms Chen Mingjian, says, “Greetings to the 60th Union Day of Tanzania and also to the 60th anniversary of the establishment of China-Tanzania diplomatic relations!”

On @ChenMingjian_CN's Twitter handle, she says President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with President @SuluhuSamia for 60th diplomatic ties: “May the friendship between 🇨🇳& 🇹🇿 last forever.”

The President of the Republic of India, Droupadi Murmu, sent a congratulatory message to President Hassan, which read:

“Your Excellency, On behalf of the government, the people of India, and on my behalf, I extend my warmest greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania on the 60th anniversary of your Union Day.

India and Tanzania enjoy close bilateral relations. Our cultural connection based on close people-to-people relations has helped strengthen our relations. Cooperation with Tanzania has seen impressive growth in the recent past, with engagement in several sectors.

Your successful state visit to India in October 2023 gave a further boost to our bilateral relations.

I convey my best wishes for Your Excellency's good health and well-being, as well as for the peace, progress, and prosperity of the friendly people of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration,” she says.

The European Union, through its verified Twitter account EU in Tanzania@EUinTZ, writes, “Happy #UnionDay, Tanzania🇹🇿! The EU Delegation to Tanzania and the East African Community extends heartfelt congratulations to all Tanzanians as you celebrate 60 years of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.”

The East African Community@jumuiya says, “60 years ago, mainland Tanganyika and the island of Zanzibar came together to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

The EAC joins in celebrating the commemoration of this formidable union. As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of Muungano Day, we are reminded of the power of unity and collaboration within the East African Region. Together, we work towards a shared vision of a prosperous, competitive, and secure region.”

For its part, the Southern African Development Community, through its account SADC Secretariat@SADC_News, says:

“Today, April 26, 2024, the #SADC family joins the government and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT), the Member State of SADC, in commemorating 60 years of the union of the URT.

On April 26, 1964, under the leadership of Founding President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, Tanganyika united with Zanzibar to form the United Republic of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. The country was later renamed the United Republic of Tanzania on October 29 of that year. The name Tanzania is a blend of Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

The United Republic of Tanzania is a founding member state of the SADC, having been one of the nine countries that formed the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) in Lusaka, Zambia, in April 1980, which was later transformed into the SADC on August 17, 1992, in Windhoek, Namibia.

On this special day, we take this opportunity to wish the United Republic of Tanzania continued peace, unity, and prosperity in the years ahead. Happy Union Day, United Republic of Tanzania!”