Tanzania’s Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi Resigns in Historic Move
Emmanuel Nchimbi becomes Tanzania’s first vice-president to resign, less than 10 months after taking office
- Nchimbi resigns as Tanzania’s vice-president
- First VP in Tanzania’s history to step down
- Resignation comes amid reported tensions with Samia
- Tanzania, Emmanuel Nchimbi, Samia Suluhu Hassan, Vice-President, Resignation
Tanzania’s Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has announced his resignation, just weeks after reports emerged of tensions between him and President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The 54-year-old announced his decision in a brief resignation letter shared on Instagram, saying he had chosen to respect the president’s wishes. His office and the presidency have also confirmed his resignation.
Nchimbi said he will retire from public life at the end of next week, less than 10 months after assuming office. His resignation makes him the first vice-president in Tanzania’s history to step down from the position.
He served as President Samia’s running mate in last October’s disputed presidential election, which was followed by deadly post-election unrest.
The pair were sworn into office in November after being declared winners with 98% of the vote. An official inquiry later said at least 500 people were killed during the violence, while opposition parties and human rights groups accused security forces of carrying out a brutal crackdown on protesters.
In his resignation letter, Nchimbi said he had become convinced that President Samia wanted a change and that he was fulfilling a promise he had made to her to step aside if she wanted another deputy.
He thanked President Samia and the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party for the confidence placed in him and expressed gratitude to Tanzanians for supporting him throughout his public service.
Nchimbi said his departure was in accordance with the country’s constitution and that he would continue to serve as a “good citizen of Tanzania.”
His resignation follows several controversial remarks in recent weeks. Last month, he called on Tanzanians to “fight for a new constitution”, arguing that the country had an opportunity to adopt one before 2030.
He also said a new constitution could help address injustice, strengthen human rights and improve governance and democracy.
Before becoming vice-president, Nchimbi served as secretary-general of the CCM and held several senior government positions, including Minister of Information and Minister of Home Affairs. He later served as Tanzania’s ambassador to Brazil and Egypt.
