Speaking at a youth symposium in Tunguu, Zanzibar, during celebrations marking the 62nd anniversary of the Union, the president urged citizens, particularly young people, to reject divisions and uphold national unity.
“This is not simply a Union of governments, it is a Union of people,” she said during the event attended by youth leaders, government officials and ruling party members.
The Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar was formed on April 26, 1964, leading to the creation of the United Republic of Tanzania.
President Samia said the country’s unity had helped Tanzania maintain relative peace and stability for more than six decades, contributing to progress in economic growth, social development and national security.
She paid tribute to the country’s founding leaders, Julius Nyerere and Abeid Amani Karume, saying their decision to unite Tanganyika and Zanzibar was driven by a vision of national cohesion and shared prosperity.
According to the president, the Union has also strengthened social integration between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar through closer cultural and family ties developed over generations.
However, she warned against growing signs of division among some young people, saying discriminatory language and rhetoric risk undermining national cohesion.
“Youth have a responsibility to strengthen unity and safeguard the future of the country,” she said.
The president also linked youth empowerment to Tanzania’s long-term development agenda, saying government programmes under the proposed Development Vision 2050 and ruling party plans for 2025–2030 are designed to expand opportunities for young people.
She said authorities are working to improve coordination of youth-focused economic initiatives across sectors including agriculture and fisheries to ensure programmes reach intended beneficiaries.
The symposium, organised by the youth wing of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party, also marked the conclusion of leadership and patriotism training sessions for party officials from mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Among officials attending the event was Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi.
In a message posted on social media earlier in the day, President Samia described the Union as a “unique heritage” that Tanzanians have a responsibility to preserve for future generations.
Notes to Editors
– The messaging is normative and symbolic, not policy-heavy—avoid overstating immediate policy outcomes.
– The emphasis on youth and “growing division” suggests underlying socio-political tensions, though not explicitly detailed—handle with nuance.
– The Union narrative is central to Tanzania’s state identity and political stability, making this more than ceremonial rhetoric.
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