Zanzibar President Ali Mohammed Shein (extreme right) with President
Jakaya Kikwete and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (left) during the
occasion.
PHOTO | MICHAEL MATEMANGA
In Summary
- Military parades, traditional dances and mass displays entertained the huge gathering, with people periodically ululating and cheering to acknowledge the performances of pupils, cultural troupes and military personnel.
Dar es Salaam. Jubilation, pomp
and pageantry defined the Amaan Stadium in the Isles yesterday as
Tanzanians marked the 50th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution that
brought to power a popular government, with Presidents Ali Mohammed
Shein and Jakaya Kikwete declaring today an extension of yesterday’s
public holiday.
Military parades, traditional dances and mass
displays entertained the huge gathering, with people periodically
ululating and cheering to acknowledge the performances of pupils,
cultural troupes and military personnel.
Dr Shein was the main speaker during the historic
occasion that was graced by, among other high profile local and foreign
dignitaries, Presidents Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, Ikililou Dhoinine of
the Union of the Comoros, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s special envoy
Jiang Weixin. In his speech Dr Shein agreed with President Kikwete that
today should also be a public holiday.
A statement from the State House in Dar es Salaam
to media houses confirmed that President Kikwete had declared Monday
(today) a public holiday.
Dr Shein told the gathering that his three-year
old Government of National Unity (GNU) has achieved a lot, particularly
in strengthening oneness among the people of Zanzibar.
“But there are still challenges ahead of us and we
should all strive to protect the peace in order to achieve further
development,” he said at the event that was coloured by a wide array of
entertainment.
Dr Shein reminded the people that marking of the
Revolution was important, considering that during colonialism,
Zanzibaris had to endure the pain of being denigrated on their own land.
“Colonialists marginalised the local people such
that they had little if any access to education, health services,
residence and land,” he said.
He noted that it was only after the Revolution that the Isles made significant steps in every crucial sector.
The 50 post-Revolution years saw Zanzibar make
efforts to boost its economy, which is currently enjoying a growth rate
of 7 per cent.
“We look forward to making sure that next year, the growth rate rises to 7.5 per cent,” Dr Shein pledged.
On health, he said, Zanzibar recorded commendable strides during the period, with more people having ample access medical care.
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