President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni attended the 60th Zanzibar Revolution anniversary celebrations at Amaan Sports Complex, emphasizing the importance of unity for the progress of East Africa. Invited by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Museveni cautioned against divisionism, stating, “You cannot tell me about divisions; I believe in unity.”
The Zanzibar Revolution in January 1964 marked the overthrow of the Sultan of Zanzibar and his predominantly Arab government by the island’s majority Black African population. Zanzibar then united with Tanganyika in 1964 to form the United Republic of Tanzania. President Museveni commended this union, considering it a positive step towards the togetherness advocated by Pan-Africanists like Mzee Julius Mwalimu Nyerere.
Speaking at the event, Museveni expressed gratitude for the unity achieved, remarking, “For us who know what a united Africa means, that was a good idea for our brothers to unite. Thank you for the unity.” He congratulated the people of Zanzibar on their 60th revolution anniversary, asserting that Africa’s development hinges on togetherness.
President Museveni highlighted the development potential of regional collaboration, citing the success of East Africa’s common market. He affirmed, “That is why you find when we join together as East Africa, we develop due to the common market.”
Zanzibar’s President Hussein Ali Mwinyi joined Museveni in congratulating the people on their revolution anniversary. Mwinyi thanked President Suluhu for supporting the success of the celebrations and expressed gratitude to neighboring countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda, for their unwavering support.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan extended her congratulations to the people of Zanzibar, marking the milestone of the 60th anniversary. Rwandan President Paul Kagame acknowledged the historic significance of the day, remembering the individuals who fought against injustice and contributed to the unity between Zanzibar and Tanganyika, forming the United Republic of Tanzania. Kagame emphasized that the day served as proof that Africans can come together to solve their own problems.
The anniversary celebration featured a vibrant military parade and reflected the shared commitment of East African nations to unity and collaboration.
