Africa-Press – Tanzania. PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan on Thursday led the country in commemorating the 60th Independence Anniversary at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam in colour and pomp.
The fete was one of its kind, as Tanzanians turned up in large numbers to mark the historic day. A guard of honour was held before a long parade by soldiers, policemen and students that took more than four hours.
The Tanzania People’s Defence Forces (TPDF) soldiers stole the show with a demonstration of the military’s heavy, modern equipment. The TPDF’s Air wing soldiers, in particular, stunned the crowd with a demonstration of military skills such as fast-roping, rappelling and extradition by using a helicopter.
The celebrations kicked off at 10.18am when President Samia, who is also a Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, entered the Uhuru Stadium in an open special ceremonial military vehicle.
Accompanied by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Venance Mabeyo (pictured), President Samia waved to the thousands of the attendees who in return, responded with thunderous applause.
President Samia then proceeded straight to the saluting dais, where she received a 21- gun salute as the national anthem and the song of the East African Community (EAC) were sung.
The Head of State was then accompanied by CDF Mabeyo to inspect a special guard of honour mounted by the TPDF, National Service, Police Force, Prison Service units and Migration Force that participated in the parade for the first time.
Then, the president went to the high table, ready to witness the special parades and other entertainment that had been arranged for the event.
The colourful ceremony was attended by thousands of Tanzanians from all walks of life and invited dignitaries among them Presidents Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Filipe Nyusi (Mozambique), Azali Assoumani (Comoros) and DR Congo’s Prime Minister Sama Lukonde.
Other were Deputy Prime Minister of Eswatini, Senator Themba Masuku, former President of Mozambique Joachim Chisano, ex-Malawian President Dr Joyce Banda, former Botswana President Festus Mogae, and former Prime Minister of Uganda, Rwakana Rugunda.
In her address, President Samia was grateful to visiting dignitaries for attending the country’s historic ceremony, saying their presence at Uhuru Day celebrations was a demonstration of the brotherhood that exists between Tanzania and her neighbours.
“Thank you very much for honouring our invitation. This demonstrates our regional friendship and the spirit of unity amongst Africans,” President Samia stated. A special parade of the members of the security forces held two rounds of marching; slow motion and fast motion, before they left the pitch, paving the way for a thrilling youth mass parade, performed by 600 children from Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Air force planes added colour to the celebrations when they flew in patterns above the venue, much to the awe of the crowd that had gathered.
Moreover, commandos from the land and marine forces won a smile from the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces as they marched while carrying heavy luggage and equipment, often used in their routine responsibilities of protecting the country and its borders.
The Uhuru Stadium, meanwhile, was decorated by images of founding fathers of the nation President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere (of Tanganyika) and Zanzibar President Abeid Amani Karume.
The two leaders on April 26, 1964 unified the two countries and formed Tanzania. Also, there were photos of other former presidents; second-phase Ali Hassan Mwinyi, the late third-phase President Benjamin Mkapa, fourth-phase President Jakaya Kikwete and the late fifth-phase President Dr John Magufuli.
Other photos that beautified the stadium were those that portrayed President Samia and Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi. On the streets of the commercial city of Dar es Salaam were long stretches of lawn with a décor of green, yellow, black and blue all over reflecting the colours on the national flag.
Addressing the nation on the eve of the Independence Day, President Samia talked about the milestones achieved since independence.
She highlighted a number of socio-economic strides the nation has recorded since independence and envisaged the country’s brighter future.
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