The Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Dr. Philip Mpango, joined fellow leaders and Tanzanian citizens on April 7, 2025, in a solemn ceremony to commemorate the 53rd anniversary of the death of Zanzibar’s first President and Chairman of the Revolutionary Council, the late Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume.
The event took place at the headquarters of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) in Kisiwandui, Zanzibar, and brought together a range of political, religious, and community leaders, all gathered to honor the legacy of the man who played a pivotal role in Zanzibar's independence and the Union of Tanzania.
The commemoration included prayers and speeches celebrating Karume’s contributions to the country’s freedom and development.
The ceremony was led by the Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, with the participation of several high-ranking government officials, including Prime Minister of the United Republic of Tanzania, Kassim Majaliwa, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Mussa Zungu, and Speaker of the Zanzibar House of Representatives, Zubeir Ali Maulid.
Among the attendees were former Presidents of Zanzibar, Ali Mohamed Shein and Amani Abeid Karume, the son of the late leader.
The widow of the late Sheikh Karume, Mama Fatma Karume, and other family members were also present at the event, receiving heartfelt tributes from those who remembered the sacrifices made by the Karume family.
“Sheikh Karume was not only a leader but a father to us all,” said Mama Fatma Karume in her remarks. “His vision for Zanzibar and Tanzania continues to live on in the hearts of every citizen.”
The commemoration was marked by the presence of CCM leaders, including Vice Chairperson for Mainland Tanzania, Stephen Wasira, as well as party elders who have long carried forward the ideals instilled by Karume’s leadership.
Senior officials from the judiciary, defense, and security forces, along with religious leaders from various faiths, attended, underscoring the broad-based support for the late President’s enduring influence on the nation’s development.
Vice President Mpango, reflecting on Karume’s legacy, remarked, “Today, we come together to honor a visionary leader whose courage, commitment, and unwavering belief in the unity of our people shaped the Zanzibar we know today. His leadership was fundamental in securing our independence and laying the foundation for the United Republic of Tanzania.”
He continued, “Sheikh Karume’s vision for a united, self-reliant society continues to guide our progress, and it is our responsibility to build upon his dreams for a better future.”
In his speech, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa emphasized, “Sheikh Karume was not just a political leader; he was a symbol of the strength and unity that defines our nation. His efforts in both Zanzibar and the Union have made a profound impact, and it is our duty to ensure that his ideals of peace, unity, and prosperity are carried forward.”
Since his tragic assassination on April 7, 1972, Sheikh Karume has remained a towering figure in the country’s history.
His death continues to be a moment of national reflection each year, with ceremonies held to remember his significant contributions to the nation’s independence and the formation of the Union.
This year’s commemoration was an opportunity for Tanzanians to reaffirm their commitment to unity, which Karume championed throughout his life.
Amani Abeid Karume, the son of the late President, spoke poignantly about his father’s role in shaping not just Zanzibar, but the entire country.
“My father believed deeply in the power of unity and the importance of working together for the greater good. Today, as we remember him, we are reminded that our strength lies in our ability to remain united as one people,” he said.
The 53rd commemoration serves as a moment of national reflection on the ideals of unity, patriotism, and resilience that Sheikh Karume embodied.
As Vice President Mpango aptly put it, “Let us honor his memory by continuing to work towards a better, more united Tanzania, as he would have wanted.”
The gathering left a lasting impression, reaffirming that the late leader’s vision remains central to Tanzania’s aspirations for progress and unity.
