TANZANIANS CELEBRATE 51ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNION

President of the United Republic of Tanzania Hon. Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete waves back jubilantly at the thousands of Tanzanians who thronged the Uhuru Stadium to celebrate the 51st Anniversary of the Union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar. On the left is Chief of Armed Forces Davis Mwamunyange.

The dignitaries acknowledging the salutations from the armed forces. Facing camera on the left side is President of Tanzania Dr. Jakaya M. Kikwete, next to him First Lady Salma Kikwete and President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar Dr. Ally Mohamed Shein.

Tanzanians celebrated jubilantly the 51^st Anniversary of the union between Tanganyika and Zanzibar which culminated into the United Republic of Tanzania. The highlight of the day-long celebrations was at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam attended by thousands at the stadium and among the high dignitaries present were the President of Tanzania Hon. Dr.  Jakaya M. Kikwete and the President of the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar Dr. Ally Mohamed  Shein.

Upon arrival in the Uhuru Stadium, President Jakaya Kikwete accompanied with the Chief of Defence Forces Davis Mwamunyange was driven around acknowledging thunderous cheers from the crowded stadium. He reciprocated, looking cheerful and smart as always, by waving at them with both hands. 

The jubilant crowd watched with admiration the acrobatic performances of school children and again  with great admiration, saw the “special contingent” of young boys who marched like  soldiers and almost behaved like the grown-up commandoes. While the soldiers marched uniformly in goose-steps, with “eyes right” salutations to the Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces, the Air Force fighter jets criss-crossed the open sky giving their respectful salutations.

The open air performance of the fighter planes not only attracted those who were in the stadium but almost all Dar es Salaam residents swung their heads upwards and saw the trails of the planes criss crossing the open sky.

The celebrations of the 51^st Anniversary, as commentators said, could perhaps be the last to be seen by Hon. Jakaya Kikwete as the President of the United Republic of Tanzania. The next elections are  just at the corner.

Later after the celebrations, an announcement was made that the President had pardoned some four hundred convicts and clemency reduction of jail terms for many more. No pardoning or clemency of jail terms for convicts sentenced for serious crimes.

Story: Abdul Hai

Pictures: Issa Michuzi Blog