Nyerere honoured for Angola’s liberation

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Republic of Angola has honoured the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere for his significant contribution to the country’s struggle for independence from Portuguese colonial rule.

Angolan Ambassador to Tanzania, Mr Domingo Da Silva, handed over the medal to the widow of Tanzania’s first President, Mama Maria Nyerere, during a brief ceremony held yesterday at Mwalimu Nyerere’s residence in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking to journalists, the ambassador said the award was granted by the Angolan government in recognition of Mwalimu Nyerere’s unwavering support for Angola’s liberation struggle.

“Angola has conferred this medal as part of the commemoration of 50 years of its independence, as a symbol of honour and gratitude to African leaders who made a major contribution to our liberation,” he said.

For his part, Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, said Tanzania had received the award with great appreciation, noting that Mwalimu Nyerere played a crucial role in the liberation struggles of several African countries, including Angola.

Ambassador Kombo added that Mwalimu Nyerere once served as Chairperson of the African Liberation Committee, during which time Tanzania became a hub for liberation movements.

Countries such as Angola, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia established liberation camps and worked closely with Tanzania.

Speaking after receiving the medal, Mama Maria Nyerere thanked the government of Angola for the great honour bestowed in recognition of her late husband’s contribution.

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She said African countries worked with strong unity during their struggles for independence and emphasised the importance of remembering the foundations of that cooperation.

She also encouraged citizens not to lose hope, noting that the task of building society is difficult but essential, while stressing the importance of unity and collective effort.

Meanwhile, Mr Makongoro Nyerere, speaking on behalf of the Nyerere’s family, said Mwalimu Nyerere believed that Tanzania’s independence would not be complete as long as other African countries remained under colonial rule.

He said leaders of liberation movements frequently held meetings at their home and that Mama Maria was at the forefront in welcoming the guests.

He thanked Angola and other African countries for recognising Mwalimu Nyerere’s contribution, saying the honour reflects the true value of genuine African solidarity