Nyerere and Queen Elizabeth
Julius Nyerere's profile and Map
One of Africa's most respected figures, Julius Nyerere (1922-1999) was a politician of principle and intelligence. Known as Mwalimu or teacher, he had a vision of education that was rich with possibility.
In one sense, of course, the development of part of Africa can only help Africa as a whole. The establishment of a University College in Dar es Salaam, and of a University in Lusaka, means that Africa has two extra centeres of higher education for its 250 million people. Every extra hospital means more health facilities for Africa; every extra road, railway or telephone line means that Africa is pulled closer together. And who can doubt but that the railway from Zambia to Tanzania, which we are determined to build, will serve African unity, as well as being to the direct interest of our two countries.
In 1967, Nyerere supported Biafra's war for independence from Nigeria. In 1979, he sent troops to help Ugandans to liberate their country from the murderous Idi Amin dictatorship. More recently, and from retirement, he spoke out forcefully against the genocide in Rwanda and supported Congolese rebels, first in the overthrow of Mobutu, and then in their efforts to oust their authoritarian and corrupt post-Mobutu ruler, Laurent Kabila.
In his inaugural lecture, the President paid glowing tribute to Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere. “Nyerere worked for unity and fought for the independence of East African countries. He was willing to put on hold the independence of Tanzania until Uganda and Kenya were liberated. He fought for democracy and was a strong advocate for the political and economic integration of East Africa. He ensured strategic security and guarded the African heritage. Indeed Mwalimu Nyerere scored a hundred percent in all his struggles to liberate East Africa and the African Continent in general,” the President noted.
