China, Tanzania, Zambia honor Chinese martyrs on TAZARA's 50th anniversary

Representatives from China, Tanzania, and Zambia lay flowers at the tombs of Chinese experts in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, July 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

DAR ES SALAAM, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China, Tanzania, and Zambia on Tuesday honored Chinese experts who sacrificed their lives during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA), marking the 50th anniversary of the railway's commercial operations and reaffirming their commitment to its revitalization.

A wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Chinese experts' cemetery in Dar es Salaam, where around 100 people braved a morning drizzle to pay tribute to 70 Chinese engineers, technicians, and workers who lost their lives while constructing the railway connecting Tanzania and Zambia and helping develop Africa.

Chinese Ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian said more than 50,000 Chinese workers joined their Tanzanian and Zambian counterparts in building the railway, widely known as the "Uhuru Railway" and "Urafiki Railway," overcoming immense challenges through a spirit of solidarity and friendship.

She said the TAZARA spirit, characterized by mutual respect, equality, perseverance, and selfless internationalism, continues to serve as a driving force for China-Africa cooperation.

Zambian High Commissioner to Tanzania Mathews Jere described TAZARA as a symbol of hope that provided landlocked Zambia with a vital gateway to the sea, reflecting the shared vision of founding leaders Julius Nyerere and Kenneth Kaunda.

TAZARA Managing Director Bruno Ching'andu said the railway remains a lasting monument to sacrifice and cooperation, adding that ensuring its continued service to the people is the greatest tribute to those who built it.

Lu Haiqiang, managing director of the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation East Africa, highlighted ongoing efforts to modernize the railway following a joint commitment to revitalize the corridor and unlock new economic opportunities along its route, adding that revitalization work has maintained a steady pace.

Representatives from China, Tanzania, and Zambia observe a moment of silence during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Chinese experts' cemetery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, July 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)

Representatives from China, Tanzania, and Zambia lay wreaths at the Chinese experts' cemetery in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, July 7, 2026. (Xinhua/Emmanuel Herman)