DODOMA — Tanzania’s Vice President, Emmanuel John Nchimbi, is leaving office and politics after President Samia Suluhu Hassan accepted his resignation, ending his tenure less than a year after he became the country’s deputy leader.
Nchimbi disclosed his decision on August 25, 2026, saying he had submitted his resignation to Hassan. Chief Secretary Moses Kusiluka later confirmed that the president had accepted it.
The former vice president said his decision was connected to an understanding he had reached with Hassan before assuming the position. According to Nchimbi, he had agreed to relinquish the office if the president later decided that another person should serve as her deputy.
“I am satisfied beyond doubt that the President wants change, so I have decided to fulfil my promise.”
Nchimbi became vice president after serving as Hassan’s running mate in the October 29, 2025 general election. He took the oath of office on November 3, 2025, at Chamwino State House in Dodoma. Before his appointment, he was secretary-general of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
His resignation has drawn attention because it follows reports of tensions within Tanzania’s political leadership.
Nchimbi had recently called for constitutional reforms at a human-rights event in Dar es Salaam. However, neither the president’s office nor Nchimbi officially linked his resignation to those remarks.
The political development also comes amid a wider debate over media freedom in Tanzania. A newspaper was suspended after publishing a report about alleged differences between Nchimbi and the presidency, with authorities accusing the publication of failing to meet requirements for accuracy, balance and verification.
Nchimbi’s exit will become effective on September 4, 2026. Under Tanzania’s constitutional process, Hassan is expected to appoint his successor, setting the stage for a change in the country’s vice-presidential office.
