Members of Tanzania People's Defense Forces run past the reviewing stand during a celebration marking 60 years of Tanzania mainland's independence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Dec. 9, 2021. Tanzania mainland on Thursday marked 60 years of independence with pomp and splendor when the east African nation was joined by leaders or representatives from over a dozen foreign countries. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)
DAR ES SALAAM, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania mainland on Thursday marked 60 years of independence with pomp and splendor when the east African nation was joined by leaders or representatives from over a dozen foreign countries.
Foreign leaders or representatives who attended the colorful celebrations at the Uhuru Stadium in commercial capital Dar es Salaam came from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Comoro, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Oman and Malawi.
Others came from Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, the African Union and the East African Community. Tanganyika, Tanzania's mainland part, gained its independence on Dec. 9, 1961.
Tanzania's President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Samia Suluhu Hassan inspected a guard of honor mounted by the Tanzania People's Defense Forces, the National Service, the police, the prisons department and immigration services.
The national and East African Community (EAC) anthems were played when President Hassan arrived in the fully packed Uhuru Stadium where she received a 21-presidential gun salute.
President Hassan and her foreign guests watched spine-chilling military displays, including fighter jets fly past and state-of-the-art military combat gear.
The military displays that involved the air force, land force, navy and commandos and marines special forces were preceded by military parades and military cultural shows.
In her address to the nation on Wednesday to mark the 60th Independence Anniversary, President Hassan urged Tanzanians to continue protecting the country by nurturing prevailing peace, solidarity and harmony.
She said over the 60 years of the country's independence, the country has succeeded in protecting its independence and borders. Enditem
Tanzania's President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Samia Suluhu Hassan (C, Front) inspects a guard of honor during a celebration marking 60 years of Tanzania mainland's independence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Dec. 9, 2021. Tanzania mainland on Thursday marked 60 years of independence with pomp and splendor when the east African nation was joined by leaders or representatives from over a dozen foreign countries. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)
Members of Tanzania People's Defense Forces give an airborne performance during a celebration marking 60 years of Tanzania mainland's independence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Dec. 9, 2021. Tanzania mainland on Thursday marked 60 years of independence with pomp and splendor when the east African nation was joined by leaders or representatives from over a dozen foreign countries. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)
Tanzanian children perform during a celebration marking 60 years of Tanzania mainland's independence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Dec. 9, 2021. Tanzania mainland on Thursday marked 60 years of independence with pomp and splendor when the east African nation was joined by leaders or representatives from over a dozen foreign countries. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)
Members of Tanzania People's Defense Forces attend a celebration marking 60 years of Tanzania mainland's independence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Dec. 9, 2021. Tanzania mainland on Thursday marked 60 years of independence with pomp and splendor when the east African nation was joined by leaders or representatives from over a dozen foreign countries. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)
Members of Tanzania People's Defense Forces attend a celebration marking 60 years of Tanzania mainland's independence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Dec. 9, 2021. Tanzania mainland on Thursday marked 60 years of independence with pomp and splendor when the east African nation was joined by leaders or representatives from over a dozen foreign countries. (Photo by Herman Emmanuel/Xinhua)