President Paul Kagame, alongside his counterparts, Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania, and Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar, joined hands to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution.
The event, held at Uwanja Wa Amaan Stadium yesterday, witnessed the presence of various dignitaries, including Uganda’d President, Yoweli Kaguta Museveni, Vice President Rigathi Gachagua of Kenya and Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca of Burundi.
President Kagame, addressing the audience, expressed his honor to be part of the celebration in Zanzibar.
He commended the leaders and citizens of Zanzibar for preserving the goals of the revolution and continuing the vision set by the revolution’s founders.
“Nawapongeza sana viongozi na wananchi wa Zanzibar kwa kuyadumisha malengo ya mapinduzi ya Zanzibar na kuyaendeleza matarajio na malengo ya waasisi wa mapinduzi” (I congratulate the leaders and citizens of Zanzibar for maintaining the goals of the Zanzibar revolution and advancing the aspirations and goals of the founders of the revolution),” Kagame said, attracting joyous crowd cheers notably for addressing the audience in Kiswahili.
Reflecting on history, President Kagame paid tribute to the courageous individuals who fought against injustice, emphasizing the successful union between Zanzibar and Tanganyika, forming the nation of Tanzania.
“This is proof that we are capable of coming together to solve our own problems, harnessing opportunities that come with that,” he asserted.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan echoed the sentiment of unity and collaboration, stressing the significance of the accomplishments of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a source of pride for the East African region and the entire continent.
“Nothing is impossible when we work together,” she emphasized.
President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi highlighted the role of Zanzibar in fostering a strong, unified nation.
“Zanzibar’s journey has been one of resilience and determination, contributing significantly to the tapestry of our great nation,” he stated.
On his part, President Museveni said that the efforts of the revolutionaries, led by His Excellency Abeid Amani Karume, ensured that Zanzibar had an excellent opportunity to practice pure African principles of governance—governance that believes in African unity rather than divide and rule.
“Working with Mwalimu Nyerere, Zanzibar showed the rest of Africa that if two countries can agree to come together as one, it is possible for the rest of Africa,” he said.
Vice President Rigathi Gachagua of Kenya and Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca of Burundi shared their perspectives on regional cooperation and the shared responsibility of East African nations in facing challenges collectively.
In a closing remark, President Kagame expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality in Zanzibar.
“Asanteni sana, Mungu awabariki” (Thank you so much, God bless you), he said, concluding the celebration on a note of camaraderie and shared aspirations for a brighter future.
"Nothing is impossible, when we work together." President Kagame pic.twitter.com/1bGe7sfzWd
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