Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday called on Tanzanians to safeguard the Union’s legacy and ensure peaceful elections as the nation commemorates the 61st anniversary of the political merger.
In her televised address to the nation to mark the Union anniversary, the Head of State reflected on the historical significance of the event.
President Samia said the day is important because it marks 61 years since Tanganyika and Zanzibar united, encouraging Tanzanians to remain thankful for the last- ing Union.
“We have every reason to congratulate ourselves for sustaining our unique Union, the only one of its kind in Africa,” President Samia said, invoking Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s description of Tanzania as a most precious gem in the history of a free Africa.
She attributed the Union’s strength to the collective choice of Tanzanians to foster brotherhood, solidarity and national unity, preserving the legacy handed down by the nation’s founders.
The President asserted that the Union belongs to all Tanzanians and expressed gratitude for the leaders who established and maintained it.
President Samia acknowledged the nation’s development strides since 1964, expressing her confidence that continued unity would ensure the Union’s continued success.
She detailed her govern- ment’s commitment to pro- tecting and preserving the Union, noting that celebra- tions were planned across all regions, incorporating devel- opment project inaugurations and cultural events.
The theme of this year’s celebrations is: “61 Years of the United Republic of Tanzania: Our Union is a Legacy, Honour and National Treasure – Participate in the 2025 General Election,” reflecting the upcoming elections.
At the national level, she announced she would bestow Union Medals to citizens in recognition of their contribu- tion to nation-building and the preservation of the politi- cal merger.
President Samia further said that the Union has driven economic, political, social and diplomatic progress and strengthened national peace and unity.
She conceded that challenges remain but affirmed that a robust system exists for addressing them.
The President commended the Office of the Vice-President for its management of Union matters and thanked those involved in symposia that explored the Union’s benefits, successes and challenges.
Regarding governance, President Samia affirmed Tanzania’s history of peaceful democratic transitions and the importance of good governance principles.
“The 4Rs Philosophy (Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding) is a valuable tool for increasing citizen participation but its application must adhere to the constitution and laws,” President Samia said.
She warned against using the philosophy to justify lawlessness and insisted on the importance of maintaining peace, security and stability.
With the 2025 General Election on the horizon, President Samia urged Tanzanians to participate actively in the electoral process, from voter registration to voting.
She appealed to political leaders and their followers to respect national laws and procedures, reiterating that elections should reinforce unity and democracy.
President Samia cautioned against any actions that could jeopardise peace and security. “Let me say this, no one is above the law and we must all conduct our political activities with the understanding that peace and security are our nation’s top priorities.”
She said the government will provide the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with the necessary resources and ensuring a peaceful and stable election environment.
The Head of State reiterated that the responsibility of safeguarding the Union rests with every Tanzanian.
She encouraged the continued upholding of brotherhood, patriotism, peace, solidarity and national unity, describing them as the foundation of the Union’s strength and stability.
President Samia expressed her hope that these principles would guide the nation towards fulfilling the vision of its founders for a single, stronger nation.
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