Tanzania envoy hopeful of united Africa

The United Republic of Tanzania High Commissioner to Nigeria Mr. Daniel Ole Njoolay has expressed optimism that Africa countries can unite to forge a common front despite their differences.

He made the remarks yesterday in Abuja at a press briefing to herald the 50 anniversary of the union of the country. Former independent Tanganyika and Zanzibar formed a united country on April 26, 1964 with late Mwalimu Julius Nyarere as it first President.

The envoy stated that the fact that the union of Tanzania continues to exist is a unique thing in Africa and a living example that to unite African countries is possible.

“We have been united for 50 years now and we would continue to be one. We would continue to live in peace and tranquility,” he said, noting that the fact that the union existed is in itself a success.

Njoolay described Tanzania has a centre of peace in East Africa which never witnessed any disturbance and continue to be a refuge for people seeking succour in terms of crisis in their countries.

He noted that Tanzania has not made any reasonable economic and trade inroads because it has concentrated more at supporting the liberation struggle in Africa, Pan-Africanism and non-align movements while occupying the chair of the frontline states until all African countries were independent.

The envoy pointed out that at the time the countries were uniting, its per capita income was about $50 on average, but now has now reached over $700.

He said though the percentage is still small, it is a huge economic step forward for the country despite 34 per cent of its citizens still live under the poverty line.

On education, Njoolay said with one university established 50 years ago, the country now boasts of ten public and about 20 private universities.

He explained that the country’s literacy rate now stands at 70 per cent from as low as 30 per cent 50 years ago with Tanzania among leading literacy countries in Africa.

Under the water sector, he said 60 per cent of its rural areas have safe drinking water from a mere 6 per cent in the past.

On infrastructure, the envoy said with only 1300 kilometres of tarred roads 50 years back, Tanzania now has over 7000 with all the 30 Regions linked.