Mwinyi urges upholding Union values

DAR ES SALAAM: ZANZIBAR President Dr Hussein Mwinyi has called on citizens to uphold the founding values of the Union, stressing their role in sustaining peace, unity and national development.

He said the Union remains a key pillar of stability and cohesion, urging the public to continue protecting its core principles to safeguard the country’s progress.

“I urge all citizens to protect the core values of the Union, which have brought peace, unity and solidarity,” he said in a televised interview with TBC1 ahead of the anniversary. “Let us ensure that our Union lasts longer.”

Mwinyi said the Union has created opportunities for citizens on both sides, particularly in areas such as agriculture, trade, housing and investment, enabling people to participate more actively in economic activities across the Mainland and Zanzibar.

He said that the ease of movement and cooperation between the two sides has strengthened social and economic ties, contributing to broader national development.

President Mwinyi also stressed the importance of peace as a foundation for all socioeconomic and political activities, warning that development cannot be achieved without stability.

“No country has succeeded in any endeavour without peace,” he said.

He said maintaining peace requires collective responsibility, calling on citizens to promote unity, tolerance and mutual respect in their daily interactions.

Commenting on the Union’s progress, economist and investment banker Dr Hildebrand Shayo said the Union has played a significant role in strengthening national integration and facilitating economic activity.

“The Union has made it easier for Tanzanians to move freely, along with money, goods and services. Travel between Zanzibar and the Mainland is now more convenient for everyone,” he said.

Dr Shayo said the openness created by the Union has helped attract investment in key sectors, particularly tourism and the blue economy, which continue to grow in importance.

He added that sustained peace and stability have enabled the country to register notable economic progress, including attaining lower middle-income status in 2020 and setting targets for further growth under long-term development plans.

Dr Shayo also commended the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr Mwinyi for promoting national values such as peace, unity, solidarity and cooperation.

He said continued adherence to these values will be essential in sustaining development gains and strengthening the country’s position in the regional and global economy.

The Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar was formed on April 26, 1964 by founding leaders Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Abeid Amani Karume, laying the foundation for the United Republic of Tanzania.