The Union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar

Tanganyika got her independence from the Britain on 9^th December 1961. Mwalimu Julius kambarage nyerere became the prime minister in 1962, Tanganyika became a republic and mwalimu Julius was elected president.

On 12^th January 1964 a revolution was staged in Zanzibar and Sheikh Abeid Amani Karume became president. Then on 22^nd April 1964, mwalimu Julius Nyerere and sheikh karume signed a government to unite these countries. The national assembly approved the agreement to unite Tanganyika and Zanzibar on 25^th April 1964. On 26^th April 1964 Tanganyika and Zanzibar united to form the United Republic of Tanzania.

1.1. Reasons For The Union

1. Common historical back ground

The people of Tanganyika and Zanzibar were colonized by the British. Tanganyika was ruled by the British from 1919 until 1961.The British ruled Zanzibar through a sultan until 10^th December 1963.

 

2. Common language

Kiswahili is the medium of communication in both Tanganyika and Zanzibar. This language helped the leader and their people to meet and discuss the unification of the states.

 

3. Similar political objectives.

After independent of these two sovereign states their government thought to introduce socialism. This was because the leaders realized that the independence obtained did not benefit the majority because all major means of production were in the hands of the few people. Socialism is the economic system whereby all major means of production are owned by the public.

 

4. Enhancing African unity.

When African countries began getting their independent there were calls to unite the countries .as a result the countries have formed unions such as the east African community. The union of Tanganyika and Zanzibar and also helped towards this goal.

1.2. The Importance Of The Union

1. It defends the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independent of its citizen 2. The union accelerates the political and social economic development
2. The union promotes peace, security and stability of the country.
3. Through the union democratic principles are promoted.
4. It promotes and protects human rights
5. The union promotes and defends common positions on issues of interest of Tanzanians.
6. The union advances the development of the country.

 

1.3. Achievements Of The Union Of Tanganyika And Zanzibar

Some of the union achievements are:

1. The union has remained strong from 1964 to present 2. A uniform currency is used in both mainland and Zanzibar.
2. Economic integrations is greater between the two partners.
3. There is greater social interaction.
4. There is peace and prosperity in the country.

1.4. Union Affairs In The Central Government

The following are the affairs placed under the union government.

1. External affair interaction with other countries
2. Defense and security.
3. The police force
4. Citizenship
5. Power to declare a state of emergency
6. Immigration
7. Industrial licensing
8. Higher education
9. Research
10. Meteorology
11. Statistics
12. Aviation and air transport
13. External and borrowing
14. The court of appeal of the united republic
15. Income tax, customs and excise duties
16. Financial matters legal traders and currency
17. Harbors air transport ports and telegraphs
18. The public services of the united republic
19. The constitution of the united republic if Tanzania
20. Mineral resources including petroleum and natural gas
21. Registration of political parties and other matters related to political parties
22. The national examination council and all matters relating to the council

 

1.5. Strategies For Improving The Stability Of The Union

1. Free movement of people from Zanzibar to Tanzania, mainland and vice versa without passports.
2. The establishment of the ministry in the president’s office to deal with union affairs.
3. Encouraging trade between the people of Zanzibar and Tanzania mainland.
4. Leaders of both sides of the union meet and discuss different issues regarding the central government.