Source: MSN
Tanzania is marking its 60th independence Anniversary today with President Samia Suluhu Hassan hailing the country’s progress amid fears over the precarious state of political freedom in the country.
The country formerly known as Tanganyika, won independence in 1961 and officially became known as Tanzania after merging with Zanzibar three years later, and adopted a system of multi-party democracy in 1992.
But in recent years, threats to basic freedoms have increased in the country, particularly under the rule of Mrs. Hassan’s late predecessor, John Magufuli, who presided over a crackdown on the media, activists and free speech.
In an address to the nation on the eve of the anniversary, President Hassan said “The success recorded during the last 60 years of independence was powered by democratic administration and rule of law”.
Since President Hassan took power in March, this year, she has sought to break with some of the policies of her predecessor, who was nicknamed “Bulldozer” for his uncompromising leadership style.