ANNIVERSARY: Kikwete awards TPDF serving soldiers
The Commander In-Chief of the Tanzania armed forces, President Jakaya Kikwete, addresses members of the Tanzania Peoples Defence Forces at the Military Academy in Arusha Friday. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- In attendance at the colourful TPDF 50th anniversary ceremony held at the Tanzania Military Academy in Monduli - Arusha Region also was Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda
Arusha. The Commander In-Chief of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF), President Jakaya Kikwete, yesterday awarded all soldiers with the army’s 50th anniversary medal.
President Kikwete decorated the Commander of Defence Forces (CDF), General Davis Mwamunyange, and 22 representatives comprising almost all ranks and file on behalf of the soldiers who were still serving in the army by Monday.
In attendance at the colourful TPDF 50th anniversary ceremony held at the Tanzania Military Academy (TMA) at Monduli in Arusha Region also were Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda and his predecessor, Mr Edward Lowassa.
The Commander In-Chief also awarded soldiers, who fought in Mozambique and other countries with the Operation Safisha medal and decorated the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Samuel Ndomba, members of the families of the deceased and retired participants in the operation on their behalf.
On Friday, the military exercises for the anniversary culminated with the minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, saying the government had embarked on a strategy to build a small army but which is highly skilled and equipped with knowledge and state-of-the-art weapons for them to brace for emerging security and safety threats brought about by terrorism and piracy.
President Kikwete had also officiated at the ceremony held at Langalurusu in Monduli District where he commended the army for meeting its goals, as he promised to improve services offered to soldiers for them to serve the nation even better.
