President Samia Celebrates 60th Anniversary of the Tanzanian People's Defence Force

President Samia Suluhu Hassan participated in the 60th-anniversary celebration of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (JWTZ) at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam today. The event was attended by other high-ranking officials, including the Vice President, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, former Presidents, the Chief Justice, and other leaders.

In her address, President Samia praised the Tanzanian military for its pivotal role in the nation’s history. “Our military has shaped and preserved our Union and the glorious Zanzibar Revolution, safeguarding our freedom, Constitution, and national borders—on land, in the air, and at sea—while thwarting major threats to our country’s independence and unity,” she stated.

The President also highlighted the military's contributions to African liberation struggles, noting, "Our military not only welcomed and trained liberation movements' armies but also led the charge on the battlefield in countries like Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and South Africa."

Emphasizing the peaceful nature of Tanzania's military, President Samia added, “Our military [JWTZ] has remained a defense force, not an invasion force. We have not invaded any country, nor do we have any plans to do so.”