On Wednesday, representatives from China and Tanzania gathered at the Gongo la Mboto cemetery on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam to honor the 70 Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA) in the 1970s. This wreath-laying ceremony coincided with the Qingming Festival, a traditional Chinese occasion dedicated to remembering the deceased and paying tribute to ancestors.
The TAZARA railway, often referred to as the “Uhuru Railway” or “Independent Railway,” was constructed between 1970 and 1975 with an interest-free loan from China. Spanning 1,860 kilometers from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, it commenced commercial operations in July 1976. Serving as a major transportation artery spanning East Africa and Central-Southern Africa, it stands as China’s largest foreign aid project till date. This monumental project not only facilitated regional trade but also symbolized the solidarity and cooperation between China and African nations.
The event saw participation from officials of the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, members of the Tanzanian government, various societal sectors, and the Chinese community. Attendees, clad in dark attire, reflected solemnly on the enduring contributions of the Chinese experts to the economic and social development of Tanzania and Zambia.
Tanzanian Deputy Minister for Transport, David Kihenzile, emphasized the profound impact of the Chinese experts’ sacrifices, stating, “The governments of Tanzania and Zambia will forever remember the utmost sacrifice that the Chinese people gave during the construction of this railway line.” He highlighted the numerous challenges and dangers faced during the project, which demanded exceptional heroism and ingenuity from both Chinese and local Tanzanian and Zambian workers.
Bruno Ching’andu, Managing Director of the TAZARA, praised the unwavering dedication of the Chinese experts, remarking, “Their spirit endures in every train that runs. Their spirit endures in every ton of cargo moved.” His words underscored the lasting legacy of their commitment.
Wang Yong, Charge d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Tanzania, honored the fallen experts as heroes whose legacy continues to symbolize the enduring friendship between China, Tanzania, and Africa at large. He noted that their memory lives on in the hearts of both Chinese and Tanzanian people, with the TAZARA railway standing as a testament to their efforts. Wang further emphasized that the spirit of TAZARA embodies the essence of China-Africa relations and reflects the shared aspirations of their peoples, serving as a driving force for deepening cooperation.
The annual Qingming Festival serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these Chinese experts. Commemorative events, such as the one at Gongo la Mboto cemetery, reinforce the deep-rooted ties between China and Tanzania, highlighting a shared history of collaboration and mutual support.
