By a Correspondent
Tanzania’s Vice-President Emmanuel John Nchimbi (pictured) has resigned from office, less than a year after taking up the country’s second-highest political position, in a move that has raised fresh questions about divisions within President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s administration.
Nchimbi, 54, announced his decision on Tuesday, saying he would retire from politics and public service. His resignation is due to take effect on September 4, according to official statements.
The resignation makes Nchimbi the first Tanzanian vice-president to voluntarily leave the position since the country gained independence in 1961.
In a letter addressed to President Hassan, Nchimbi said he had previously promised the president that he would step aside if she believed a change of vice-president was necessary.
“I am convinced beyond doubt that the president desires change, and therefore I have decided to fulfil my promise,” he wrote in his resignation letter.
President Hassan has accepted the resignation, with the government saying constitutional procedures will now be followed to appoint a replacement. No official reason beyond Nchimbi’s explanation has been given for his departure.
Fallout rumours
The dramatic announcement comes amid reports of growing tensions between Nchimbi and President Hassan.
The vice-president had faced increased scrutiny in recent weeks after making public comments calling for Tanzanians to pursue a new constitution. Speaking at an event hosted by a human rights organisation in Dar es Salaam, he argued that constitutional reform could help strengthen human rights, democracy, good governance and the dignity of Tanzanians.
His comments reportedly attracted criticism from sections of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
The resignation also follows reports that Nchimbi and President Hassan had fallen out. A Tanzanian newspaper was recently suspended after publishing allegations of divisions within the government and claims that Nchimbi was under pressure to leave office.
Disputed election backdrop
Nchimbi became vice-president after serving as President Hassan’s running mate in the October 2025 presidential election. The pair were subsequently sworn into office in November.
President Hassan secured nearly 98% of the vote, but the election was heavily criticised after leading opposition candidates were excluded from the contest.
An official inquiry into the violence that followed the election found that at least 518 people were killed. Opposition groups and human rights organisations have accused security forces of using excessive force against protesters.
President Hassan initially won international praise after succeeding John Magufuli in 2021 for easing some restrictions on opposition parties and the media. However, relations with the opposition and civil society have since deteriorated, with critics accusing her government of reverting to more restrictive policies.
Nchimbi’s political career
Before becoming vice-president, Nchimbi held several senior positions in government and the ruling CCM party.
He previously served as CCM secretary-general and held ministerial portfolios including information and home affairs. He later served as Tanzania’s ambassador to Brazil and Egypt.
His resignation leaves the president with the task of selecting a new deputy as the government seeks to manage the political fallout from the unexpected departure.
