Africa-Press – Tanzania. THE government of the Union of the Comoros has awarded Tanzania’s Ambassador, Saidi Yakubu, the prestigious national honour, the Order of the Green Crescent, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening bilateral relations between Tanzania and the island nation.
Comoros President Azali Assoumani personally conferred the award, praising Amb Yakubu for his exemplary service and dedication. He also urged him to continue serving as a goodwill ambassador for Comoros, wherever his diplomatic career may take him.
Amb Yakubu, who was appointed Tanzania’s envoy to Comoros in April 2024, received the honour as part of a farewell ceremony following his recent appointment by President Samia Suluhu Hassan as Tanzania’s new Amb to France.
“In life, there are two things one cannot choose: a neighbour and a relative. Comoros and Tanzania are both. Our relationship is therefore inevitable and enduring,” President Assoumani remarked. The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including ministers, religious leaders and representatives from the private sector.
President Assoumani commended Yakubu’s diligence and personal commitment to advancing ties between the two countries. The Order of the Green Crescent is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the Comoros.
The most recent foreign recipient prior to Yakubu was former President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina. Although President Assoumani did not detail all the reasons behind the award, several speakers highlighted key achievements that defined Yakubu’s tenure.
Comoros Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mohamed Mbae, noted that Yakubu played a pivotal role in advancing the Joint Permanent Commission (JPC), which has laid a strong foundation for sustained cooperation between the two nations.
He also credited Yakubu with facilitating medical outreach programmes involving Tanzanian specialist doctors, who have treated more than 6,000 Comorian citizens in recent years. For context, the Comoros National Referral Hospital serves approximately 5,000 patients annually.
The contribution of Tanzanian medical teams has therefore significantly expanded access to healthcare services.
“As a result, medical tourism from Comoros to Tanzania is now valued at €80 million equivalent to over 240bn/-. This is a remarkable achievement within a short period,” Mbae said.
Official data from Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade shows that bilateral trade between the two countries has doubled over the past two years, rising from 90bn/- to 180bn/-. On his part, Amb Yakubu attributed his success to the strong and cordial relationship between President Samia Suluhu Hassan and President Azali Assoumani.
“I sincerely thank President Samia for entrusting me with this responsibility in Comoros and now in France. All the achievements realised here are as a result of her guidance and her strong relationship with her counterparts,” he said.
