Joseph Isangura
The Sixth Phase President, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, is regarded as a pan-African leader who honours the contributions of freedom fighters through action, including the commemoration of the Maji Maji War.
This historic conflict, initiated by the Wamatumbi people and later spreading to the broader southern region, was a revolt against German colonial rule between 1905 and 1907.
These remarks were made today in Nandete Village, Kipatimu Ward, Kilwa, as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Hassan Abbasi, closed the celebration of the 119th anniversary of the Maji Maji War.
“Our elders, who led that war under the great commander Mzee Kikwako Mbonde, and his chief philosopher and mobilizer, Mohammed Ali Kinjekitile Ngwale, planted the seeds of freedom and patriotism, which today our President, Dr. Samia Suluhu, is nurturing by fostering development,” Dr. Abbasi said, adding:
“President Samia also honours these Maji Maji freedom fighters through tangible actions. This year, 119 years later, her government has officially declared the Nandete areas linked to this war as national and international heritage sites through Government Notices 163 and 166.”
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The commemoration was attended by the District Commissioner of Kilwa, Hon. Mohammed Nyundo, the Member of Parliament for Kilwa North, Hon. Francis Ndulane, traditional leaders, families of the freedom fighters, and hundreds of citizens. On behalf of the Ministry, Dr. Abbasi promised to request the President’s support in building a special museum at the site where the war began on July 15, 1905, when the locals uprooted cotton from the German colonialists’ plantation.
Various stakeholders contributed resources for next year’s celebrations, marking the 120th anniversary of the Maji Maji War. These contributions include over 1,500 kilograms of rice, more than 10 tins of cooking oil, four cows, goats, chickens, and cash donations.
