Tanzania’s Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi attended the event in the stadium, and he was joined by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice President Philip Mpango, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa and other senior government leaders.

Also in attendance were Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Burundian Prime Minister Gervais Ndirakobuca.

The ceremony was also attended by heads of diplomatic missions and international organizations, cabinet ministers of the Zanzibar government and the United Republic of Tanzania.

The ceremony featured armed forces parades, special performances, military displays, and a symbolic release of balloons and pigeons by individuals born on Jan. 12, accompanied by a special song marking the 60th anniversary of the Zanzibar revolution.

As he addressed participants, President Paul Kagame praised Tanzania’s impressive path to peace and unity.

Kagame acknowledged Zanzibar’s commitment to the spirit of the revolution and its progress in realizing the aspirations of its founders. Reflecting on the historic day, he commemorated the individuals who fought against injustice and highlighted the successful union between Zanzibar and Tanganyika that formed Tanzania.

Emphasizing the collective strength of Africans to address challenges and seize opportunities, Kagame praised the accomplishments of Zanzibar and Tanzania as a source of pride for the East African region. He drew parallels with Rwanda’s refusal to let a tragic past define its identity, stressing the potential of unity.

Furthermore, Kagame extended congratulations to Tanzania’s leadership for maintaining peace, emphasizing that their success is evidence of the ability of African nations to unite.

The climax of the celebrations followed almost a month of activities that included the opening and laying of foundation stones for various social and economic projects by the leaders.