President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania has urged Tanzanians to let their differences in cultures unite the country rather than disunite it at the cultural heritage festival held in Moshi, Kilimanjaro, today, January 22, 2022.

Tanzania has over 120 tribes, each with its indigenous language, unique traditions, and culture. People of different tribes get to work and live together despite their differences.

The President has urged everyone to continue preserving and be bold of their culture and tradition and at the same time respect others’ as well.

“If there is a rich heritage that our country should be proud of, it is these cultures that, although they differ from tribe to tribe, have been the catalyst for uniting us as a country,” said  President Samia.

She further added that the government intends to preserve as many cultural heritages as possible to teach and tell our history as a country.

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“The government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is in the process of negotiating the repatriation of the skulls of chiefs taken during the colonial period, to be used to educate the community and for tourism activities,” said President Samia  adding that;

“The government continues to identify chiefdoms and customary areas and maintain them as part of the attractions in our country. As of January 2022, 36 sites have been identified, and a comprehensive assessment is being conducted so that they can be approved as tourist attractions.”

Speaking during the event at The Moshi Co-operative University (MoCU), Deputy Minister of Culture, Arts and Sports Hon. Pauline Gekul said the ministry has been playing a part in helping remove traditions that are no longer essential.

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“We have succeeded in fighting the perverse traditions that oppress women,” said Hon. Gekul.

The Head Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania (ELCT), Dr. Fredrick Shoo, asked the community and Tanzanians to follow good traditions rather than mirroring western traditions ending up forgetting our own. He added that he prays that “God teaches us to rebuke evil traditions and follow those that please you.”

Chief Frank Marealle, the Chairman of Tanzania and Kilimanjaro Chiefs, added that their focus is to teach youth good morals during this globalization era.