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Enliven Nyerere’s vision of united Africa, EAC youth told

EAST African Community (EAC) youth have been urged to actively promote the Kiswahili language as a unifying force across the region,

TANZANIA: EAST African Community (EAC) youth have been urged to actively promote the Kiswahili language as a unifying force across the region, in alignment with Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s vision of a united Africa.

This call underscores Kiswahili’s pivotal role in fostering stronger ties among nations and enhancing regional integration.

By embracing Kiswahili, the youth are required to contribute to the social and cultural cohesion necessary to advance Nyerere’s ideals of unity and solidarity across the continent.

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Speaking during the 25th anniversary commemoration of Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in Butiama, Mara Region, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Uganda, Major General Paul Simuli, highlighted the importance of youth embracing African values and working within local contexts to contribute to the continent’s growth.

He noted that Africa’s vast resources—land, minerals, freshwater bodies and fertile soils—offer young people golden opportunities to build a brighter future for the continent.

“Youth are encouraged to leverage local resources to drive transformation and development in their respective countries, carrying forward Nyerere’s legacy of unity and progress,” he stated.

Reflecting on Nyerere’s efforts to unify Tanzania, Ambassador Simuli highlighted three key achievements. First, Nyerere made Kiswahili Tanzania’s national language, believing it could serve as a unifying tool for all Africans.

“Today, we as the youth must strive to preserve and promote this unique language of unity,” he emphasised.

Secondly, he said, Nyerere fought against tribalism by encouraging inter-ethnic marriages, significantly reducing tribal tensions in Tanzania.

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The third point he mentioned was the fact that he made education accessible to all Tanzanians, providing it free of charge and ensuring that students studied in different regions to foster unity across ethnic lines.

“Tanzanian students today are studying in Uganda, Kenya and other regions with the goal of learning, building relationships and cooperating through knowledge and understanding,” Ambassador Simuli added.

He affirmed that these values could extend across East Africa, creating a united region that speaks with one voice and ultimately leads to African unity.

Comrade Mofati Ngalande, representing Zimbabwe and Southern African liberation movements, paid tribute to the enduring influence of Pan-Africanist icon Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

He emphasised that Nyerere’s vision transcended borders, languages and generations, uniting millions across the continent.

“Over 60 million of us are products of his dreams for independence across Africa. Mwalimu not only built and shaped nations, but also guided us on how to think independently and seek our freedom,” Comrade Ngalande stated.

Despite colonial-era language barriers and artificial borders, he reiterated Nyerere’s call for Africans to seek common ground and work together for future generations.

“Mwalimu’s legacy teaches us that understanding and fostering hospitality are crucial. If we want to achieve economic freedom and prosperity, we must focus on what unites us rather than what divides us,” he emphasised. He urged young Africans to follow in Nyerere’s footsteps by laying a foundation for future generations that emphasises unity, peace and prosperity.

“Without sacrifice for the greater good, the dream of a prosperous tomorrow will remain just that—a dream,” Ngalande added, encouraging the youth to hold Nyerere’s teachings close to their hearts.

Professor Mwambuchia Nndembesia from Makerere University echoed Ngalande’s call for unity, stressing that inequality remains the root cause of conflict and violence.

He praised Nyerere’s efforts to promote equality in Tanzania, noting that “as long as there is equality, there is unity.”

Prof Nndembesia further urged the promotion of equality as essential for fostering national and regional unity in East Africa. He emphasised Nyerere’s spirit of humility, urging EAC youth to embody these values.

“Young people must practice humility, strive for equality and be willing to sacrifice for a united and peaceful East Africa. We must break down mental barriers and work together for the greater good,” he said.

All speakers underscored that the next phase of African liberation would be economic, with unity and equality as key components of a prosperous future. Nyerere’s legacy continues to guide Africa as the continent strives for peace, equality and shared prosperity.

Ugandan politician and retired military officer Gregory Mugisha Muntuyera also called on African youth to take advantage of the continent’s vast potential.

He stressed the need for youth to play a pivotal role in driving economic growth and development.

“It is time for the youth to use the opportunities and potential that exist across the region,” Mr Muntuyera said. His message reinforced the importance of youth engagement in harnessing Africa’s natural and economic resources for sustainable development.

Mr Muntuyera urged young Africans to take charge of the continent’s future and contribute to building a prosperous and unified Africa.

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