Samia Suluhu Skips Jamhuri Day Celebrations To Address Floods Crisis In Tanzania

• Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu was notably absent at the 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens
• Suluhu was represented by the President of Zanzibar, Hussein Mwinyi, who delivered Suluhu’s apologies in his speech
• Mwinyi said Suluhu’s absence was due to her being held up in the Northern region of Tanzania, which had been hit by floods

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Nairobi - Tanzanian president Samia Suluhu's absence at the Uhuru Gardens for the 60th Jamhuri Day has been conspicuous.

The Tanzanian head of state was listed among foreign dignitaries, including President of Ethiopia Sahle-Work Zewde, Deputy President of Burundi Prosper Bazombanza, Deputy Prime Minister of Uganda and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga.

Suluhu was represented at the celebrations by the President of Zanzibar, Hussein Ali Mwinyi, who doubles as the Tanzanian Vice President.

In his speech, Mwinyi delivered Suluhu's apologies, explaining that she was held up in the Northern region of Tanzania that had been hit by floods.

"Right Honourable Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, very much wished to be present at these celebrations. However, due to the significant impacts of the floods affecting our country in the northern region, she has been unable to attend personally and has instructed me to represent her," Mwinyi said.