Politics and Society
Tanzania turns 55: Happy Independence Day to our Tanzanian brothers and sisters
Today Tanzania celebrates its independence, attained on this day in 1961. We commemorate the 55th anniversary of the independence of Tanzania from British colonial rule. Happy Independence Day to our Tanzanian brothers and sisters.
Tanzania celebrates its independence day, the 55th anniversary of self-rule, which was attained from British colonial rule (Zanzibar and Pemba gained independence on 10 December 1963, and merged with mainland Tanzania on the 26th of April, 1964).
Tanzania (Tanganyika) was initially occupied by imperial Germany as a colonial territory in the 19th Century, and the country became part of German East Africa. The post–World War I accords and the League of Nations charter later designated the country a British Mandate.
The British controlled Tanzania as its colonial territory.
Fidel Castro accompanied by former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere (center), during his visit to Ruvu, Tanzania in March 1977. Photo: Flickr/ Bettmann/CORBIS
Tanzania experienced the wave of nationalism, which swept the continent in the 1950s and 1960s. The nationalists in the country pushed for independence, which was attained in 1961. Julius Kambarge Nyerere, who was at the forefront of the liberation movement became the first President of Tanzania and previously Tanganyika, until his retirement in 1985 (Nyerere was Prime Minister in 1961 at independence. In 1962 Tanganyika adopted a republican constitution and Nyerere was elected the first President of the country).
Tanzania’s Independence Day is a public holiday, which is celebrated every year. The day honours the country’s freedom heroes, its gallant son and daughters who fought for the independence of their country from British colonial rule.
We honour all those who fought during the struggle against British colonial rule.
