Samia credits TPDF for maintaining peace, freedom, unity
Insists govt will continue to enhance the army’s capabilities
DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces, highlighted significant achievements of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) in promoting peace, freedom, unity and citizen welfare both within the country and across Africa, while pledging more reforms,
During the grand celebration of TPDF’s 60th anniversary celebration at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, Dr Samia credited the army’s success to the consistent support of all government phases in fulfilling TPDF’s core objectives.
These include safeguarding the nation’s borders, upholding the constitution and providing military training.
“Sixty years of the Tanzania People’s Defence Force have been marked by tremendous accomplishments. The army has effectively and admirably executed its objectives.
Our army remains a force for defence, not rebellion,” she declared. She continued, “The TPDF has been a liberating force in Africa and a peacekeeper worldwide.
Even though we enjoy peace in our country, we are committed to building a strong army capable of withstanding any threat at any time.”
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF of the Armed Forces, President Samia Suluhu Hassan inspects a guard of honour mounted by the military at the 60th
Anniversary of the Tanzania People’s Defence Forces at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, on Sunday. (Photo by Mohamed Mambo)
Dr Samia emphasised that the government will continue to enhance the army’s capabilities to keep pace with technological advancements in weaponry and military techniques.
Noting the TPDF’s achievements since its inception in 1964, she praised its consistent efforts to preserve national independence and peace through security operations and humanitarian assistance during emergencies.
She also highlighted the TPDF’s successful prevention of political threats, such as the one posed by Idi Amin in 1978 and 1979.
Additionally, the TPDF has been instrumental in providing humanitarian aid, as demonstrated during the Manyara mudslide late last year.
Dr Samia underscored that the TPDF’s roots are deeply embedded in the continent’s liberation struggles.
Over the past six decades, the TPDF has supported various countries in their quest for independence, including Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
A DISPLAY of military parade salute to the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, President Samia Suluhu Hassan at
the ceremony.
The TPDF has also participated in peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, The Comoros, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.
On supporting youth development, Dr Samia praised the National Youth Services for its special training programmes that instil patriotism, work ethics and selfreliance in young people.
The TPDF also provides educational and healthcare services through schools, hospitals and institutions like the National Defence College, which serves both local and international students.
In addition, President Dr Samia acknowledged the TPDF’s contributions to national infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Chamwino State House and the Mererani Wall, the latter aimed at protecting Tanzanite.
HE ARMY show military wares as they pass before the Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the ceremony.
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Reflecting on history, Dr Samia recounted that after independence, the Tanganyika Rifles, inherited from the British colonial era, were inadequate for the country’s sovereignty needs.
This prompted the founding father of the nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, to establish the TPDF, which has since fulfilled his vision.
She noted that Mwalimu Nyerere selected 1,000 youth from the Tanganyika African National Union’s youth league (TANU) as the first recruits for the TPDF.
Dr Samia also praised the country’s army veterans and heroes, including former Commanders-In-Chief and Chiefs of Defence Force (CDF), for their pivotal roles in ensuring the TPDF continues to meet its goals while adapting to global technological changes.
Furthermore, Dr Samia expressed gratitude to the citizens for their ongoing support and trust in their army, exemplified during the Kagera War.
Earlier, Minister for Defence and National Service, Dr Stergomena Tax, lauded President Samia’s visionary leadership characterised by patriotism, unity and integrity, which has fostered peace and harmony, elevating the army and the country’s development.
She noted that the TPDF maintains a strong reputation both domestically and internationally, contributing to Tanzania’s status as a peaceful nation in Africa and beyond. The TPDF was established on September 1, 1964.
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