Ellen congratulates Tanzania, consoles Indonesia

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has sent a congratulatory message to the Government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania on the occasion of their 55th Independence Anniversary.

December 9 is celebrated each year in Tanzania as its Independence Day, popularly known as SikuyaUnuru, while extending her condolence to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. JokoWidodo following an earthquake that killed more than 100 persons with more than 600 reported injured.
A release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Monrovia says President Sirleaf extended warmest felicitation and best wishes to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania Mr. John PombeMagufuli and his people on the occasion of the 55th Independence Anniversary of that great country.

The Liberian leader entertained the hope that the cordial ties of friendship and cooperation subsisting between their two countries and peoples will be further strengthened in the spirit of African solidarity as they work together in furtherance of deeper cooperation at the African Union, the United Nations and other international fora aimed at promoting international peace and security among all nations and peoples.

She prayed that President Magufuli is endowed with abundant wisdom and strength by Almighty God as he leads his people to nobler heights.

Earlier, a German colony known as Tanganyika, in 1918, became a British mandate territory. On December 9, 1961, Tanganyika got its freedom from British rule. Later in 1964, Tanganyika merged with Zanzibar to become Tanzania. This is an important day when Tanzanians commemorate their nonviolent transition to freedom from British rule.

To the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. JokoWidodo, President Sirleaf, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia extended to His Excellency Mr. Widodo, and through him, the Government and people of Indonesia, especially families of the victims, Liberia’s heartfelt condolences.

She prayed that the Almighty Allah will strengthen and console President Widodo and the people of Indonesia during this period of national mourning.

Latest reports say the death toll has risen to 102 and warned it could increase, while more than 600 people were injured when a 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Aceh province on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Search efforts involving volunteers and nearly 1,500 rescue personnel are concentrated on the hard-hit town of Meureudu in Pidie Jaya district near the epicenter of the quake that hit before dawn on Wednesday, December 7, 2016.