Revolution Day celebrated amidst mixed emotions

Armed soldiers and security officials in uniform and plain cloth patrolled the stadium and its vicinities for most of the day and all citizens were screened before entering the stadium.
Nonetheless, the event was very colourful complete tradition dances, songs and parade from the armed force.
The event was attended by the Union President John Magufuli, Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, former presidents, ambassadors and other government officials.
Interviewed, most of the citizens were jovial and happy to celebrate the day but a considerable number was distraught and opposed this year’s celebrations arguing that it is marred by political unrest.
Islander Hassan Isa was for the celebrations and urged fellow Zanzibaris to celebrate and thank God for the day and peace that still prevails.
“The jovial mood during the celebration showed a clear picture of the fact that we wholeheartedly value the 1964 Revolution Day and will always protect this constitutional liberty,” he said.
According to him, Zanzibaris have shown solidarity, passion and patriotism in commemorating their country’s Revolution.
Abdullah Juma Hassan was of a different view noting that this year’s Revolution Day anniversary was not commemorated as a national event but rather, a political party annual meeting citing the majority of CCM clad participants.
“It does not seat well to see people commemorating a national event in party uniforms,” he said.
“They have lost the meaning of the Revolution by putting the interests of political parties first rather than that of the nation and its people,” he lamented.
“It is high time the government stops people from wearing party uniforms at national events,” he concluded.
Worth noting is that opposition party CUF maintained their stand and boycotted the celebrations arguing that the persisting political standoff does not merit any celebrations and that their participation would imply they support the incumbent president who in their view is in power illegally.