PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday led Tanzanians in commemorating 60 years of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar underscoring the importance of embracing the 4Rs philosophy in maintaining peace and uplifting economic prospects.

In brief remarks at a colourful rain drenched ceremony at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the president said that through the union, both sides of the union were more assured of peace and national unity.

“We have protected our country and achieved various development successes,’ she said, pointing at the country’s shift to lower middle income status.

Tanzania needs to stick to the 4Rs which represent reconciliation, resilience, reform and rebuilding, she stated, describing this vision as essential for current social, political and economic demands.

She said that the 4Rs had enabled a push to overhaul the criminal justice system, guaranteeing freedom of expression and allowing political parties to operate freely.

“Through dialogue and engagement, we have made changes to our electoral laws, political party laws and the Electoral Commission Act,” she reminded the public, of milestones of her three year leadership so far.

In a televised address late on Thursday, the president detailed achievements in all spheres in the period that Tanzania has existed, during the past 60 years.

She said that wisdom, prudence and courage guided founder presidents Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Sheikh Abeid Karume, together with their close associates, in moving to bring the two sides of the union together.

Those who succeeded them maintained the vision, with the leaders of Union and Zanzibar governments attaching great importance to the Union since it came into effect.

Onlookers marvelled at mass displays and commando exercises at the ceremony, where President Samia was accompanied by several Heads of State and government in the eastern Africa region.

Gracing the occasion were presidents Evarist Ndayishimiye of Burundi, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, Dr William Ruto of Kenya and President Hassan Sheikh Mahmoud of Somalia.

Prime Minister Nangolo Mbumba of Namibia and Malawi VP Dr Saulos Chilima attended, along with top officials from Mozambique, Rwanda and Uganda.

Past and current leaders at the podium included Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Vice President Dr Philip Mpango, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and Zanzibar First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman.

Former president Jakaya Kikwete was an attraction at the podium for his personal familiarity with most of the visiting statesmen, with Burundian President Ndayishimiye speaking on behalf of the other leaders from East African Community partner states.

“What I know is that the unity of Tanzania is East African unity and we all know that even with our ancestors before colonialism, Tanzanians and Burundians were close relatives, crossing border lines for trade, marriage and other ties as a normal situation, which has remained that way,” he said.

He said Burundians share Tanzania's joy in the union and its leaders cherish moving relations to a higher level for shared development.

In his remarks, President Mwinyi said the citizenry was pivotal in strengthening the union, while premier Majaliwa said the milestone anniversary marks a new dawn in the development journey as the nation looks up to the future with hope.