Tanzania Independence Day

On April 26, Tanzanians celebrated their 41st birthday marking the union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar to form The United Republic of Tanzania. Political tensions still exist between the two states writes Mr. Rodrique Ngowi in his news story, "Tanzania marks national unity anniversary." Up coming elections in Zanzibar is the source of some of the anxiety. The ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) and the opposing party, Civic United Front (CUF), are running neck and neck in the campaign. The CUF is pledging to redefine the union. Mr. Peter Kallaghe, presidential spokesperson, still sees the union as valid, and reiterated the concept that we heard when traveling in Tanzania, that "Tanzanians do not think of themselves as anything else other than Tanzanians." It is that kind of brotherhood/sisterhood attitude that is keeping Tanzania's 120 plus tribes together and inspired the title of this blog -- a hardy what's up to all brothers and sisters, yours and mine. Mungu ibariki Tanzania!