Tanzania’s Vice-President Emmanuel Nchimbi has resigned from office, less than 10 months after taking the position, in a move that comes amid reports of growing differences with President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Nchimbi, 54, announced his resignation in a brief letter published on Instagram, saying he had decided to step down after concluding that the president wanted a change in her vice-presidential team. Sources in both the vice-president’s office and the presidency confirmed his departure. “I have become convinced, without doubt, that the president wants changes,” Nchimbi wrote, referring to a previous commitment he had made to Hassan that he would step aside if she wanted another deputy. He said he would leave public life at the end of next week and thanked President Hassan, the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party and Tanzanians for their support.
Nchimbi became vice-president after serving as Hassan’s running mate in the October 2025 presidential election, which was followed by deadly unrest. Hassan and Nchimbi were officially declared the winners with about 98% of the vote, but the election was strongly disputed by opposition parties. An official inquiry later found that at least 500 people were killed during post-election violence. Opposition groups and human rights organizations accused security forces of using excessive force against protesters, allegations the government has rejected. Nchimbi’s resignation also follows several public comments that appeared to signal his support for political reforms. Last month, he called on Tanzanians to “fight for a new constitution”, arguing that reforms could help address issues including human rights, governance, democracy and perceived injustices.
The comments have fuelled speculation about tensions within the ruling establishment, although neither Nchimbi nor the presidency has publicly said that his constitutional reform views were a reason for his departure. A veteran CCM politician, Nchimbi previously served as the party’s secretary-general and held senior government positions, including Minister of Information and Minister of Home Affairs. He later served as Tanzania’s ambassador to Brazil and Egypt. His resignation is expected to trigger a constitutional process for appointing a replacement and could further intensify scrutiny of Tanzania’s political direction following last year’s contested election and subsequent unrest.
