‘Union earns Tanzania high respect’

• Mwinyi says it has registered enviable social, economic development

ZANZIBAR: TANZANIA has registered enviable social, political and economic development, thanks to the strong Union between the two sides, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi declared here on Sunday.

“Our Union has earned us high respect before the international community. Tanzania remains the role model on how to preserve the union in Africa and the world over,” Dr Mwinyi said at the launch of the two week celebrations of the 60th Union anniversary at Nyamanzi grounds.

He especially appreciated the good work of the founding leaders of the Union–Father of the Nation Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume in laying the strong foundations for unity, peace and solidarity among Tanzanians.

“We are happy to witness our unity getting stronger; our collaboration increasing and peace prevailing in the country,” President Mwinyi said, challenging all Tanzanians to embrace and protect the Union.

He attributed the unity and peace that prevail in the country today to the union, saying both the union and Zanzibar governments are determined to protect and sustain the bond for the benefits of the current and future generations.

President Mwinyi said the two governments are working hard to address all the union arguments, saying 25 issues were presented for deliberation between 2006 and 2024.

He said 22 issues have been resolved and the remaining three at different stages of handling will be resolved soon.

“The resolve of these challenges has increased the trust of Tanzanians on our governments; strengthening and preserving the prevailing peace and tranquility in the country,” said President Mwinyi.

Zanzibar’s Second Vice-President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla challenged all Tanzanians to defend the union, condemning few individuals who discredit it on their selfish agenda. He said the union and Zanzibar governments will sustain public awareness on the union benefits to wananchi.

He said: “We have the urge and arguments to educate Tanzanians on the union and its benefits to the country, socially, politically and economically.” Union Minister of State, Vice-President’s Office, Union and Environment Selemani Jafo, speaking at the event, commended Dr Mwinyi for the huge work of rebuilding Zanzibar, citing what he described as “Beautification of Zanzibar,” through construction of modern roads, airports and other essential infrastructure for speedy development.

The 60th union anniversary celebrations will entail special exhibitions by union and non-union institutions; tree planting; environment cleanness and launch of various social and economic projects both in Zanzibar and Tanzania mainland ahead of the climax of Union Day commemoration on April 26 at Dar es Salaam’s Uhuru Stadium, with Union President Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan as the chief guest.