TZ celebrates decades of Union feats

AS Tanzania celebrates the 61st anniversary of the historic Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar, the government has highlighted the significant achievements and commitment to strengthening the bond between the two parts of the political merger.

The Union, formed to foster greater unity, cooperation and development, has witnessed numerous milestones over the past decades.

Minister of State in the Vice-President’s Office (Union and Environment), Engineer Hamad Masauni, said since an official proclamation and the establishment of the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar on April 26, 1964, there have been significant and proud achievements for Tanzanians.

Speaking at a seminar in Dodoma Region for member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Administration, Constitution and Legal Affairs, the minister said the achievements have been accompanied by many benefits and opportunities for the people of both sides of the Union.

The formation of the United Republic of Tanzania followed the independence of Tanganyika in 1961 and the Zanzibar Revolution in January 1964. The unification was aimed at consolidating the strengths of both nations, creating a more influential and prosperous state on the African continent.

He drew a clear contrast between the preindependence era, where the colonial administration primarily served its own interests with limited involvement of Tanganyikans and Zanzibaris in public service and the present day.

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Eng Masauni also pointed out that during the colonial era, education was provided on discriminatory basis, especially according to race and religion.

“The existence of the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania is one of the benefits of the Union, the minister said, explaining that “immediately after the Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar, a joint Parliament, was established, comprising members from both sides of the Union. Other benefits include the existence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as well as the African Union,”

Director of Environment in the Vice-President’s Office, Dr Juma Salum, echoed this view, saying that the government of mainland Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar are genuinely committed to ensuring that the existing and emerging challenges are resolved for the benefits of both sides of the Union.

Dr Salum referenced the 2006 directive by the then President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who instructed the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to meet and discuss how to resolve the challenges facing our Union.

“This mechanism aims to strengthen the Union by ensuring that all challenges are addressed with lasting solutions, according to the Union issues listed by the Office of the Vice-President of Tanzania and the Office of the Second Vice-President of Zanzibar,” the former head of State was quoted as saying.

He added, “Since the start of this collaborative approach in 2006, approximately 25 Union-related issues have been discussed, of which 22 have already been resolved,”