Tanganyika African National Union

The Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) was a political party in Tanzania that formed in 1954 to promote independence from British colonial rule. Led by Julius Nyerere, TANU prioritized African self-governance, equality, and unity. It played a key role in mobilizing popular support and guiding Tanganyika toward independence in 1961. After independence, TANU became the dominant political force, eventually merging into the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (Party of the Revolution) in 1977 to continue governing Tanzania. TANU's leadership and policies laid the foundation for Tanzania's post-independence development.