Vice-President Resigns in Unprecedented Move

Tanzania's Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has announced his resignation, effective September 4, less than a year after being sworn into office. The move is unprecedented for the country, marking the first time a vice-president has stepped down since independence in 1964.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has accepted the resignation, according to a statement issued by Chief Secretary Dr Moses Kusiluka. The statement said the president had received Nchimbi's request to resign and had accepted it, and that other constitutional procedures to obtain a new vice-president would be undertaken.

Nchimbi announced his decision in a public statement shared through his Instagram account, saying he would resign from office and retire from politics and public service. In his statement, he said he had formally written to the president informing her of his decision.

"I have decided to retire from politics and public service and will resign from the position of Vice-President," Nchimbi said.

The resignation comes about 295 days after Nchimbi was sworn in on November 3 of last year, following a successful campaign as President Samia's running mate in the October presidential election. The election outcome, in which the winner took a 98% share of the vote, was disputed by the opposition, and violent protests led to the deaths of at least 500 people, according to an official enquiry.

Reasons for Resignation

Nchimbi explained he was quitting in line with a promise he made to President Samia shortly after taking office, when he pledged to step aside whenever a change was deemed necessary.

"I have become convinced, without doubt, that the president wants changes, and I have therefore decided to fulfil my promise," Nchimbi wrote in his resignation letter.

He thanked the president and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party for the trust they had placed in him, and Tanzanians for their support during his time in public service. He said he was leaving office in accordance with the country's constitution and would continue to be a "good citizen of Tanzania".

Constitutional Process

Under Article 50(2)(c) of the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, a vice-president may leave office by resignation. The constitution further requires that where the office becomes vacant, the president must appoint a new vice-president as soon as possible and, in any case, within 14 days, in accordance with Article 50(4). The appointee must then be confirmed by the National Assembly and take an oath of office.

Political Background

Nchimbi previously served as secretary-general of CCM. He also held several senior positions in government, including both minister of information and home affairs, before becoming Tanzania's ambassador to Brazil and later Egypt. He was first elected MP for Songea Urban in 2005. In 2024, he returned to domestic politics as CCM Secretary-General before being named running mate to President Samia in the 2025 General Election.

The resignation was confirmed by sources in his office and the presidency, according to reports.