AS Tanzania marks 60 years since the historic union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar was formed, the citizens from both the isle and mainland have much to rejoice in.

The resolution of longstanding issues has not only fostered a sense of unity and cohesion, but has also served to strengthen the bonds that hold our nation together.

This year's commemoration bears the proud title: ‘We are united and strengthened for the national development.'

This rallying cry of unity and strength underscores people’s commitment to working together towards the growth and progress of their nation. Standing tall and resolute, knowing that their collective efforts will lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

In a momentous address to a gathering of distinguished dignitaries on April 26, 2024, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, expressed the sentiment that the two nations have ample cause for celebration as they commemorated the day of unity.

“We have managed to maintain unity of our nation by preserving peace and unity. Through the union we have also managed to strengthen relationships and made an economic, political and social milestone. Indeed, we have the good reasons to celebrate our union,” she said.

Furthermore, she believes that to preserve the union, there have to be an implementation to a philosophy that demands reconciliation, endurance, revolution and building the nation.

She also urged citizens to work diligently for economic development, echoing the belief of the two nations' forefathers Julius Kambarage Nyerere and Abeid Amani Karume who considered hard work a fundamental pillar of humanity.

“As we stand and defend for the rights of Tanzanians, the rights have to correlate with responsibility. Let us work hard to increase the nation’s productivity,” she added.

Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi said the historic union of the two parties has portrayed perceptions from different nations for preserving the union of two formerly sovereign states namely the Republic of Tanganyika and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar.

According to him, so far whatever that for long was identified as a challenge upon the union has now been settled.

Burundi President Evariste Ndayishimiye diplomatic ties between Tanzania and Burundi have for long been cemented and with that it has not been easy to differentiate the Burundians and Tanzanians

“It has not been easy to differentiate the people of Burundi and Tanzanians despite having the territory set by colonial masters,” he said.

“Our fore fathers believed that a having a neighbour becomes automatically a family member and unity is strength and division is weakness that is why we are here to support you,” said President Ndayishimiye.

In Tanzania, every 26 April is Union Day to commemorate the creation of the United Republic of Tanzania through the union of two formerly sovereign States, namely the Republic of Tanganyika and the People’s Republic of Zanzibar. 

The two concluded a treaty of Union on 22nd April, 1964 consequent, to which they become one Sovereign Republic from 26th April, 1964. The Union consists of two Governments, one exercising powers over all union matters while exercising at the same time powers over non-union matters in and for Tanzania Mainland. 

An autonomous government known as The Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar exercises powers over non-union matters in and for Tanzania Zanzibar.