The Chinese Experts Cemetery (中国援坦专家公墓) is situated in Gongo la Mboto, a western suburb of Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania. It is the final resting place for more than 60 Chinese experts who tragically lost their lives during the construction of the Tanzanian-Zambian Railway. A large alabaster monument stands at the center of the cemetery, with the words "Cemetery of Chinese Experts" engraved in gold in both Chinese and Kiswahili.[1]
Background
editIn the 1960s and 1970s, China undertook the ambitious project of constructing a railway connecting Tanzania and Zambia. This effort involved the participation of 50,000 Chinese workers, with up to 16,000 on-site at the peak of construction.[2] Unfortunately, the project claimed the lives of several Chinese personnel due to various circumstances: workplace accidents, such as Mao Zhongman, who perished in a bulldozer accident on January 4, 1971; road accidents, like Li Jingpu, who died on April 15, 1971; and encounters with local wildlife, such as Zang Mincai, who succumbed to a honeybee sting.[3] In total, 64 Chinese experts lost their lives, although this number varies in different reports depending on how causes of death and identities are categorized. Some of the deceased were laid to rest in Tanzania,[4] while others were buried in Zambia.[5] The youngest expert buried in the Chinese Experts Cemetery was only 22 years old.[3]
Remembrance
editThe Tanzanian government has designated specialists to maintain the cemetery, ensuring its preservation.[4] Each year, during the Qingming Festival, both Chinese and Tanzanian representatives visit the cemetery to pay their respects. Chinese government officials, including President Xi Jinping,[6] as well as members of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, have made visits to the cemetery during their time in Tanzania.[7] Local residents also visit occasionally to honor the memory of those buried there.[5]
See Also
editReferences
edit- ^ 王, 成安 (2010). "用鲜血和生命铸就友谊之路：纪念援建坦赞铁路牺牲的中国专家". 国际经济合作. 6: 41-43.
- ^ "赞比亚感念中国烈士赠安息地-新华网". 新华网_让新闻离你更近 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ a b "TAZARA construction worker who died after being fiercely stung by African bees remembered in Dar". TAZARA. 2024-08-14. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ a b "铭记历史 赓续友谊 中坦双方共同祭扫援坦中国专家公墓 中国青年网". 中国青年网 (in Chinese). 2024-04-05. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ a b "̹ 坦赞铁路纪念园清明祭扫活动举行". CNR. 2024-04-06. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ "习近平凭吊援坦中国专家公墓 献上花束寄托哀思". 中国政府网_中央人民政府门户网站 (in Chinese). Retrieved 2024-09-02.
- ^ Congyi, Lin (2024-03-29). "Chinese naval escort taskforce concludes visit to Tanzania". China Military. Retrieved 2024-09-02.
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