Let’s uphold resilience, unity and self-reliance
DAR ES SALAAM: AS Tanzania marks another year of independence, the nation must reflect not only on freedom won in 1961 but on the enduring responsibilities it entails.
Independence is more than a milestone; it is a covenant of sovereignty, self-determination and the shared duty to safeguard our nation.
Recent unrest and growing external pressures underscore that freedom is fragile and must be actively defended through resilience, unity and responsible governance. President Samia Suluhu Hassan, in her address to Dar es Salaam’s Council of Elders, reminded citizens that the attacks of October 29, 2025, were orchestrated acts meant to destabilise the country.
Her message was clear: protecting peace and infrastructure is a shared responsibility of both leaders and citizens. Social cohesion remains central. When one Tanzanian suffers, the whole nation feels the impact. Preserving national unity, rejecting tribalism and resisting externally inspired divisions are essential to sustaining independence.
Dar es Salaam’s stability, she noted, is vital, given its economic and logistical role; threats to the city affect livelihoods nationwide.
Economic self-reliance is equally critical. Over-dependence on external aid leaves the nation vulnerable. Citizens, business leaders and policymakers must harness Tanzania’s resources responsibly, ensuring that wealth benefits all and that development is sustainable.
President Samia also called on communities, youth and leaders to exercise vigilance against misinformation, political manipulation and destabilisation. Leadership, she emphasised, is service. rooted in guidance, empathy and collective responsibility.
As Tanzanians commemorate independence, the lessons of history must guide action: protect the nation, uphold unity, and build resilient systems that sustain sovereignty and prosperity. Every citizen has a role to play.
Social responsibility, political engagement and economic prudence are not abstract ideals, they are practical imperatives.
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The enduring meaning of independence lies in our ability to withstand challenges, heal from adversity, and chart a sustainable future through collective wisdom, discipline and unity. Tanzania has passed tests before; today demands the same courage and resolve.
