Africa

Regional leaders in show of unity during Zanzibar Revolution's 60th anniversary celebrations

Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar during the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution at Amaan Stadium on January 13, 2024. (Photo: New Times Rwanda)

By Paul Aginnah | Sunday, January 14, 2024

DP Gachagua expressed gratitude to Zanzibar for hosting the event and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation.

Zanzibar City on Saturday witnessed a grand commemoration as the island celebrated the 60th anniversary of the historic Zanzibar Revolution.

The significant event, which marked the overthrow of the Sultan of Zanzibar and his Arab government by the majority Black African population, was graced by a host of African leaders from across the region.

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Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda joined Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania in the celebrations.

Their presence added an extra layer of importance to the commemoration, symbolising the shared commitment to the progress and unity of the African continent.

From left, Rigathi Gachagua, Deputy President of the Kenya, Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda and Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda during the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution at Amaan Stadium on January 13, 2024. (Photo: New Times Rwanda)

The anniversary fete at Amaan Stadium provided an opportunity for reflection on the social and economic transformation that Zanzibar and other nations have cultivated together as sister countries.

It highlighted the revolutionary frameworks and the need for collaboration, cooperation, and complementary initiatives to achieve the aspirations outlined in the African Union's Agenda 2063.

Gachagua, representing Kenya President, William Ruto, expressed gratitude to Zanzibar for hosting the event and emphasised the importance of regional cooperation.

In his speech Gachagua lauded the recent visit of President Hussein Mwinyi to Nairobi during last December's Jamhuri Day celebrations, calling it an important gesture affirming the enduring sisterhood and brotherhood between the two nations.

President Museveni stressed the need for unity, stating that Africa's development depends on togetherness.

“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 said.

President Kagame congratulated Zanzibar and pointed out the success of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar.

“Your success in the union is evidence that Africans can unite as brothers and as nations," he said.

Samia Suluhu, the President of the United Republic of Tanzania and Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, President of Zanzibar during the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar Revolution at Amaan Stadium on January 13, 2024. (Photo: New Times Rwanda)

Also present was the Prime Minister of Burundi, Gervais Ndirakobuca, who expressed appreciation for the existing cooperation between Tanzania and Burundi.

Ndirakobuca called for increased collaboration, emphasising the need to strengthen the bond between the two nations for the betterment of all Africans.

During the revolution, frustration over under-representation in Zanzibar's parliament led to the uprising by the African Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP).

The revolutionaries were led by John Okello, youth leader of ASP, Pemba branch.

The revolutionaries overtook the police force and the government. The new president and head of state, Abeid Karume, later emerged as a moderate leader within the Afro-Shirazi Party (ASP).